Glucose metabolism in Ullrich Turner syndrome: long-term effects of therapy with human growth hormone. German Lilly UTS Study Group.

The effects of GH therapy on glucose metabolism in 72 Turner patients treated with human GH (HGH) 2, 3 or 4 IU/m2/day for 2 years are reported. OGTTs were performed at 0, 3, 12 and 24 months. The overall frequency of glucose intolerance was 9.7% before therapy and did not change under HGH. No change in HbA1c and fasting glucose values occurred. Integrated blood sugar values in the OGTT (area under the curre) did not change with 2 and 3 IU but were significantly elevated over control after 2 years with 4 IU. Insulin secretion was not significantly affected over time with 2 IU, whereas 3 and 4 IU produced significant increases which persisted after 2 years. Results indicate that glucose homeostasis is maintained under GH therapy at the expense of a compensatory increase in insulin secretion which persists at higher GH dosages.