Partial preservation of pancreatic beta-cell function in children with diabetes
Elliott, R.B.; Crossley, J.R.; Berryman, C.C.; James, A.G.
Lancet 2(8236): 1-4
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0140-6736 PMID: 6113394 Document Number: 173422
Newly diagnosed insulin-dependent diabetic children [17] received prednisone (0.25 mg/kg per day) for the first 12 mo. after diagnosis. The urinary C-peptide level of this corticosteroid treated group of diabetic children was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of controls, both during and for a year after corticosteroid therapy. Age at diagnosis seems to influence the possibility of a positive response to corticosteroid therapy. Apparently, prednisone partially preserves endogenous insulin secretion.