Glucagon and growth hormone secretion in insulin-treated diabetics: effects of added sulfonylureas.

ABSTRACT

Eleven insulin-dependent ketosis-prone diabetics were given glibenclamide (5 mg/day) in addition to their usual insulin treatment for a period of 1 or 6 mo. There was significant reduction in arginine-induced IRG and hGH secretion and no change in blood glucose levels after either 1 or 6 mo of treatment. During that time no change in weight or insulin requirement was observed. The importance of the duration of treatment and the fact that in this type of patient the effects on IRG and hGH secretion could not be mediated by the influence on insulin secretion are stressed.