Growth hormone and endothelial function during exercise in diabetics with and without retinopathy.

Changes in plasma growth hormone (GH), factor VIII related antigen (VIIIR:Ag), and plasminogen activator activity (PAA) during exercise were evaluated in 50 insulin-dependent diabetics. In patients with a short to moderately long duration of diabetes (5-19 years, mean 11), GH increased only in those with retinopathy. VIIIR:Ag and PAA increased most pronouncedly in retinopathy patients as well. In diabetics with long duration of the disease (21-49 years, mean 35), GH, VIIIR:Ag and PAA increased almost equally in those with and without retinopathy.