[Plasma cortisol and adrenal response to ACTH stimulation in diabetes mellitus with moderate decompensation]

No significant difference was found between the mean plasma cortisol levels in 2 groups of diabetic patients (10 with non-severe metabolic decompensation and 10 well compensated). Likewise, there was not statistical difference on considering the diurnal Cortisol/nocturnal Cortisol quotients in both groups; these quotients besides showed the persistence of the circadian rythm. No valuable difference was seen in the adrenal response to ACTH stimulus. It was found direct correlation between glycemic levels and cortisol increments after stimulus in the total series of 20 patients (r = 0.44; p < 0.05). There were also significant correlations between diurnal and nocturnal Cortisol (r = 0.63; p < 0.01) and between Cortisol levels before and after stimulus (r = 0.68; p < 0.01). No differences were found in Cortisol levels on estimating the incidence of diabetic complications (retinopathy or nephropathy). All these data suggest the tendency to adrenal hyperactivity due to the diabetic decompensation through the action of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis.