The Influence of Growth Hormone Treatment on Glucose Homeostasis in GrowthHormone-Deficient Children: A Six-Year Follow-Up Study.
BACKGROUND
Growth hormone (GH) influences glucose homeostasis by negatively affecting insulin sensitivity, leading to a compensatory increase in insulin secretion. It has recently been reported, in animals and humans, that GH might also stimulate insulin secretion by directly affecting the growth and function of pancreatic β-cells. The aim of this work was to longitudinally study the insulin sensitivity (HOMA-S), insulin secretion [insulinogenic index (IGI)] and capacity of β-cells to adapt to changes in insulin sensitivity [oral disposition index (ODI)] in GH-deficient (GHD) children under GH treatment.


METHODS
We studied 99 GHD (62 male, 37 female; age 8.9 ± 3.5 years) children for a median period of 6 years (range 1.5-16.2). Every year, our patients underwent an oral glucose tolerance test, which was used to calculate the HOMA-S, IGI and ODI.


RESULTS
Although HOMA-S remained unchanged, an increase in IGI and ODI was observed, becoming significant after 6 years of treatment (1.25 ± 1.28 vs. 2.35 ± 2.38, p < 0.05 and 0.57 ± 0.68 vs. 1.50 ± 1.92, p < 0.01, respectively).


CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest a positive influence of GH treatment on the β-cell secretory capacity in children with GH deficiency. © 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel.
Department of Woman, Child and Urologic Diseases, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
Federico
F
Baronio
Laura
L
Mazzanti
Ylenia
Y
Girtler
Federica
F
Tamburrino
Anisia
A
Fazzi
Fiorenzo
F
Lupi
Silvia
S
Longhi
Giorgio
G
Radetti
D000293:Adolescent; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005951:Glucose Tolerance Test; D006706:Homeostasis / Q000187:drug effects*; D019382:Human Growth Hormone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000172:deficiency*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood*; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D050417:Insulin-Secreting Cells / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male
D001786:Blood Glucose; D007328:Insulin; D019382:Human Growth Hormone