Secretion of growth hormone in the insulin test in various forms of diabetes

In 25 diabetics and 8 controls the insulin hypoglycemia test was performed with subsequent determination of growth hormone secretion by the radioimmunoassay method. The rise of the growth hormone level began earlier and persisted longer in diabetics as compared with controls. Juvenile diabetes was associated with a rapid secretory response of the hormone while in maturity-type diabetes the release of growth hormone in response to stimulation was excessive but delayed. A somewhat lower secretory response was found in diabetes lasting over 5 years as compared with short-lasting diabetes. The observed phenomena were not related to the absolute blood glucose level. Although the phenomenon of growth hormone hypersecretion remains yet to be explained, it seems, however, to be secondary to carbohydrate metabolism disturbance and insulin disorders.