PLASMA LEVELS OF GROWTH HORMONE IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETES MELLITUS, HYPERCHOLESTEROLAEMIA AND LIVER DISEASES

Abstract

Of 40 patients with diabetes mellitus 24 showed elevated plasma levels of human growth hormone (HGH) as determined by the increased width of the tibial epiphysis in hypophysectomized rats. Elevated plasma levels of HGH was more common in young diabetics than in older ones. Of 8 patients with liver disease 4 had elevated plasma HGH but 3 patients with Kimmelstiel-Wilson''s syndrome did not show increases. Two patients with familial hypercholesterolemia had elevated levels of HGH.