Early Development of Metabolic Risks in Children with Endocrine Disorders in the Post-Pandemic Era

The study analyzes changes in endocrine and metabolic health among children in the post-pandemic period. Based on publications from 2020–2025, it summarizes current evidence on the most common disorders that emerged or intensified after COVID-19. A combination of reduced physical activity, prolonged stress, and disrupted eating patterns contributed to an increase in pediatric obesity and early signs of insulin resistance. Simultaneously, a rise in diabetic ketoacidosis at the onset of type 1 diabetes was reported, along with variable changes in glycemic control among children with pre-existing diabetes. Particular attention is drawn to the growing incidence of central precocious puberty, partly associated with higher BMI and disturbed sleep patterns. Children with severe COVID-19 or MIS-C demonstrated transient thyroid and adrenal dysfunction. The findings highlight the need for enhanced monitoring and prevention of metabolic risks in the pediatric population, as well as further research into the long-term consequences of the pandemic.

References

1. Gnocchi M., D’Alvano T., Lattanzi C. et al. (2022) Current evidence on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on paediatric endocrine conditions. Front. Endocrinol. (Lausanne), 13: 913334. DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.913334.
2. Awad Abdu Alla A.M., Osman H.M.E.M., Khalid Babikir T.A. et al. (2025) Endocrine disorders and COVID-19 severity in children: A systematic review. Cureus, 17(7): e88458.
3. Calcaterra V., Tagi V.M., De Santis R. et al. (2023) Endocrinological involvement in children and adolescents affected by COVID-19: A narrative review. J. Clin. Med., 12(16): 5248. DOI: 10.3390/jcm12165248.
4. Miller R., Ashraf A.P., Gourgari E. et al. (2021) SARS-CoV-2 infection and paediatric endocrine disorders: Risks and management considerations. Endocrinol. Diabetes Metab., 4(3): e00262. DOI: 10.1002/edm2.262.
5. Nekoua M.P., Debuysschere C., Vergez I. et al. (2023) Viruses and endocrine diseases. Microorganisms, 11(2): 361. DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11020361.
6. Oguz S.H., Yildiz B.O. (2023) Endocrine disorders and COVID-19. Annu. Rev. Med., 74: 75–88. DOI: 10.1146/annurev-med-043021-033509.
7. Seneviratne S.N., Karunathilake C.N.K., Pallegama C.M. et al. (2023) Endocrine manifestations of COVID-19 in children: A scoping review. Best Pract. Res. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., 101792. DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2023.101792.
8. Diorio C., Henrickson S.E., Vella L.A. et al. (2020) Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children and COVID-19 are distinct presentations of SARS-CoV-2. J. Clin. Invest., 130(11): 5967–5975. DOI: 10.1172/JCI140970.