[Causes of development of the diabetic syndrome in patients with diffuse toxic goiter]

Altogether 41 patients with thyrotoxicosis of mean severity at the stage of decompensation were observed. By glucose tolerance they were divided into 3 groups: with normal, flat and disturbed curves. The third group vs. the first group demonstrated higher levels of the thyroid hormones, cortisol and insulin. C-peptide/insulin ratio values were significantly lower than in the first group before and in 120 min. after glucose loading. The second group showed average indices. Evaluation of sensitivity to insulin in 35 patients showed a decreased reaction to insulin in 17 patients, belonging mainly to the third and second groups. The blood levels of thyroxine and cortisol in these 17 patients were raised. The authors have arrived at a conclusion that the development of insulin resistance rather than the disturbed insular apparatus is likely to cause disorders in glucose tolerance in some patients with thyrotoxicosis.