The urinary excretion of deoxypyridinium cross-links is higher in diabeticthan in nondiabetic adolescents

We have measured the urinary excretion of deoxypyridinium (D-Pyr) crosslink s, a sensitive and specific marker of bone resorption, in morning urine in 102 healthy, nonhospitalized, Caucasian subjects (8-18 years) and in Is dia betic subjects (12-17 years). The free D-Pyr crosslinks were measured using the Pyrilinks D-Assay. In the diabetic subjects, plasma glucose was regula ted throughout the night by a constant infusion of insulin and a variable i nfusion of 24% glucose. In the nondiabetic subjects, the excretion of D-Pyr increased until 12-14 years of age, and thereafter decreased, and the excr etion of D-Pyr/hour was correlated with the height Z-score. The excretion o f D-Pyr/hour and the D-Pyr/creatinine ratio was higher in the diabetic adol escents than in the nondiabetic adolescents. In subjects over the age of 12 , the D-pyr/creatinine ratio was higher in males than in females. In conclu sion, in healthy children and adolescents, the excretion of D-Pyr peaks at 12-14 years of age. The D-Pyr excretion is higher in diabetic than in nondi abetic adolescents, suggesting increased bone resorption in diabetic adoles cents.