Illustration of a child's heart with glowing markers, representing early detection of heart issues.

Is Apelin the Key to Early Heart Health Detection in Children with Type 1 Diabetes?

Samir D’Costa in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Unlocking new possibilities for early detection of heart issues in children with type 1 diabetes: Exploring the role of Apelin as a potential marker."

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) presents a significant health challenge for children globally. Beyond blood sugar management, one of the critical concerns is the elevated risk of cardiovascular complications. This article delves into a promising area of research focused on identifying these risks early, potentially changing how we approach heart health in young people with T1DM.

One innovative approach involves examining Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT), a measurement that helps detect early signs of atherosclerosis—the hardening and narrowing of arteries. By measuring CIMT, doctors can identify subtle changes in blood vessels long before serious problems develop.

Now, research is highlighting a new marker called Apelin, an adipokine (a type of cell signaling protein) that could play a crucial role. This article will explore how Apelin levels relate to heart health in children with T1DM, offering a potential new tool for early detection and intervention.

Apelin: The Body's Signal for Heart Health?

Illustration of a child's heart with glowing markers, representing early detection of heart issues.

Apelin, secreted from fat tissue, has a crucial role in insulin sensitivity and diabetes management. New research indicates its potential as an early warning sign for heart issues in children with T1DM. The study reveals significantly increased serum Apelin levels in T1DM patients compared to healthy controls, suggesting a link between Apelin and the disease's vascular complications.

The study, a case-control analysis, involved 40 children with T1DM and 30 healthy children. Researchers measured serum Apelin levels, along with cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), and LDL (bad cholesterol). They also assessed kidney function and measured CIMT to evaluate the health of the carotid arteries.

Key Findings:The research highlighted several important correlations:
- Elevated Apelin: Children with T1DM showed significantly higher levels of serum Apelin compared to the control group.
- Lipid Connection: Cholesterol, TG, and LDL levels were also elevated in T1DM patients, while HDL (good cholesterol) was lower.
- CIMT Correlation: There was a significant positive correlation between serum Apelin levels and CIMT, indicating that higher Apelin levels were associated with increased thickness of the carotid artery walls.
- Glycemic Control: HbA1c levels, a measure of long-term blood sugar control, were positively correlated with Apelin levels.

These findings suggest that Apelin could serve as a predictive marker for early atherosclerosis in children with T1DM, potentially allowing for earlier interventions and better management of cardiovascular risks.

What This Means for Children with T1DM

The study's conclusion emphasizes that increased serum Apelin levels in children with T1DM may be an early warning sign for vascular complications. This opens the door for using Apelin as a predictive tool, allowing doctors to identify at-risk children and implement preventive strategies sooner.

By monitoring Apelin levels and CIMT, healthcare providers can gain a more complete picture of a child's cardiovascular health and tailor interventions accordingly. This might include lifestyle changes, medication, or more frequent monitoring to manage risk factors.

Further research is needed to fully understand Apelin's role and to develop standardized testing protocols. However, this study provides a compelling case for considering Apelin as a valuable tool in the fight against early atherosclerosis in children with T1DM, potentially improving long-term health outcomes.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.3889/oamjms.2018.144, Alternate LINK

Title: Serum Apelin: A New Marker Of Early Atherosclerosis In Children With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences

Publisher: Scientific Foundation SPIROSKI

Authors: Rania N. Sabry, Maged A. El Wakeel, Ghada M. El-Kassas, Ahmed F. Amer, Wael H. El Batal, Salwa Refat El-Zayat, Mohamed Abou-El-Asrar

Published: 2018-04-04

Everything You Need To Know

What is Apelin, and why is it important in the context of heart health in children with diabetes?

Apelin is an adipokine, a cell signaling protein secreted from fat tissue. Research suggests that elevated serum Apelin levels in children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) may indicate early vascular complications and atherosclerosis. This is significant because it offers a potential early warning sign, allowing for earlier intervention and better management of cardiovascular risks in children. The implications include the possibility of using Apelin as a predictive tool to identify at-risk children and implement preventive strategies sooner.

What is the significance of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) in relation to cardiovascular health, as discussed in the study?

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic condition affecting children globally, with elevated risks of cardiovascular complications. These complications, such as atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of arteries), can significantly impact long-term health. Early detection is crucial to mitigate these risks. The significance of T1DM within this context lies in its association with increased cardiovascular risk, making the study of early markers like Apelin vital for improving outcomes. The implications involve developing strategies for early detection and intervention in T1DM patients to minimize cardiovascular complications.

What is Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT), and why is it relevant to the study findings?

Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT) is a measurement used to assess the health of the carotid arteries, which helps detect early signs of atherosclerosis. By measuring CIMT, doctors can identify subtle changes in blood vessels before serious problems develop. It is important because it provides a direct measure of arterial health, enabling early detection of vascular damage. In the study, a positive correlation between serum Apelin levels and CIMT was found, implying that higher Apelin levels were associated with increased thickness of the carotid artery walls, which is indicative of atherosclerosis. The implications include the potential for using CIMT measurements, in conjunction with Apelin levels, to monitor and manage cardiovascular health in children with T1DM.

What were the key findings of the study regarding Apelin and heart health in children?

The study revealed several key findings. Children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) had significantly higher levels of serum Apelin compared to healthy controls. Elevated cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), and LDL (bad cholesterol) levels were also observed, while HDL (good cholesterol) was lower. There was a positive correlation between serum Apelin levels and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT). Finally, HbA1c levels, which measure long-term blood sugar control, correlated with Apelin levels. These findings are important as they suggest a link between Apelin and vascular complications in T1DM patients. The implications of these findings point towards using Apelin as a potential marker for early detection of atherosclerosis and potentially implementing earlier interventions to manage cardiovascular risks.

What are the implications of the study's findings for children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM)?

The study's findings suggest that increased serum Apelin levels in children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) could be an early warning sign for vascular complications. This opens the possibility of utilizing Apelin as a predictive tool, enabling doctors to identify children at risk and implement preventive strategies earlier. The implications of these findings are significant as they pave the way for earlier interventions, potentially improving the long-term cardiovascular health outcomes for children with T1DM. It highlights the importance of early detection to mitigate risks associated with atherosclerosis and manage the disease more effectively.