A possible role for human growth hormone (HGH) in the protection from glucose-induced hyperkalemia in normaldosteronemic diabetes.

In a young male insulin-dependent diabetic patient with normal aldosterone levels an infusion of hypertonic glucose induced a paradoxical increase in serum potassium concentration and suppressed normally the elevated HGH levels, while on high sodium intake. On the other hand, during sodium restriction providing protection from the paradoxical hyperkalemia, a paradoxical increase in HGH level has been observed. A definite relationship was found between changes in serum potassium and HGH levels suggesting a possible role for the hypophyseal hormone in the cellular regulation of potassium distribution.