EFFECTS OF IMPROVED BLOOD GLUCOSE ON INSULIN‐INDUCED HYPOGLYCAEMIA, TRH, GnRH AND EXERCISE TESTS IN INSULIN‐DEPENDENT DIABETES

SUMMARY In order to evaluate effects of metabolic control on pituitary function in insulin‐dependent diabetes exercise, hypoglycaemia (insulin tolerance test), thyrotrophin releasing hormone and gonadotrophin releasing hormone, tests were performed on 25 patients before (Study 1) and after 2 weeks of improved metabolic control (Study 2). Patients were sub‐divided into C‐peptide negative (CpN, 10 patients with no residual C‐peptide secretion) and C‐peptide positive (CpP, 15 patients with residual beta‐cell function) groups for analysis of results. Exercise induced higher growth hormone responses in CpN patients independent of metabolic control (P < 0.001). Thyrotrophin releasing hormone induced higher growth hormone responses in CpN patients; this response was threefold greater after improved control (P < 0.005). Growth hormone and cortisol response to hypoglycaemia and thyroid stimulating hormone and prolactin secretion in response to thyrotrophin releasing hormone were unaffected by residual beta‐cell function or metabolic control. Luteinizing hormone response to gonadotrophin releasing hormone in CpN patients was impaired and lower after improved control (P < 0.002). The results indicate an association between residual pancreatic insulin secretory and hypothalamic/pituitary function, possibly reflecting central neurosecretion of insulin.