ESPE Yearbook of Paediatric Endocrinology

Preface: This is the year of COVID-19. Although fortunately children and adolescents with diabetes are not reported as a high risk group, the course of disease in adults serves as an important lesson of the importance of good glycaemic control in acute illness (12.1).

Studies on the prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in children and adolescents continue to be published, thus verifying that T2DM is a global problem. A study on the prevalence of T2DM from Hungary shows alarming numbers; the prevalence of T2DM among European populations is similar to that in high-risk ethnic groups in the USA (12.2). T2DM in adolescents has been established as more aggressive than in adults. This year we learn about the impact of T2DM on bone health, as well as the pathway between chronic hyperglycaemic and osteoporosis (12.3).

Regarding treatments for T2DM in children, lifestyle intervention showed little success (12.4). However, liraglutide demonstrated effectiveness in improving glycaemic control (12.5). Moreover, metabolic bariatric surgery resulted in a striking attenuation in diabetic kidney disease (12.6). Dissecting racial bias in the healthcare system, including diabetes care, is discussed (12.7).

A new concept is introduced, intraindividual variability in cardiovascular disease risk factors, independent of their absolute values (12.9). Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is recognized as a risk factor for prediabetes and diabetes (12.10). Ten-hour time-restricted eating showed a beneficial effect on the metabolic syndrome (12.11).

Results of 20-years follow-up on the treatment with statins of familial hyperlipidaemia have been published (12.13), as well as a Cochrane review that revealed low rates of complications of this treatment in children (12.14). Inclisiran is a promising new medication for treatment of familial hyperlipidaemia (12.15).

And on the lighter side, where in the world do researchers work on weekends and holidays? Read the article (12.17) on work-life balance.