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Published on: May 10, 2018
Macroprolactinaemia in diabetic patients
Nese Ersoz Gulcelik1, Aydan Usman
1Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey. nersoz@hacettepe.edu.tr
Neuro Endocrinology Letters
|April 29, 2010
Summary
Diabetic patients with hyperprolactinemia show a higher prevalence of macroprolactinemia. Identifying macroprolactin levels in these patients is crucial, as it may negate the need for further extensive diagnostic evaluations.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Disorders
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Hyperprolactinemia is often associated with reduced prolactin levels in poorly controlled diabetes mellitus.
- However, some diabetic patients present with elevated prolactin levels, necessitating further investigation.
- The role of macroprolactinemia in diabetic patients with hyperprolactinemia requires clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate diabetic patients diagnosed with hyperprolactinemia.
- To determine the prevalence and significance of macroprolactinemia in this patient group.
- To assess the clinical implications of macroprolactinemia in diabetic patients with elevated prolactin.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 174 patients with hyperprolactinemia over two years.
- Data collection included symptoms, diabetes mellitus status, prolactin and macroprolactin levels, and pituitary MRI.
- HbA1c, fasting, and postprandial glucose levels were analyzed in diabetic patients.
Main Results:
- Diabetes mellitus was diagnosed in 15.5% (27/174) of hyperprolactinemic patients.
- Macroprolactinemia was present in 66.6% (18/27) of diabetic patients with hyperprolactinemia.
- The prevalence of macroprolactinemia was significantly higher in diabetic patients (66.6%) compared to non-diabetic patients (39.5%, p=0.009).
- Diabetic patients with macroprolactinemia exhibited higher HbA1c levels.
Conclusions:
- Macroprolactinemia is more prevalent in diabetic patients with hyperprolactinemia than in the non-diabetic population.
- Measuring macroprolactin levels is recommended for diabetic patients presenting with hyperprolactinemia.
- Identifying macroprolactin may obviate the need for further diagnostic workup in these cases.
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