The influence of gh treatment on glucose homeostasis in girls with turner syndrome: A 7-year study

Context: Growth hormone (GH) influences glucose homeostasis mainly by negatively affecting insulin sensitivity. Objective: To longitudinally study insulin sensitivity [via homeostasis model assessment of insulin sensitivity (HOMA-S)], insulin secretion [insulinogenic index (IGI)], and capacity of b cells to adapt to changes in insulin sensitivity [oral disposition index (ODI)] in girls with Turner syndrome (TS) undergoing GH treatment. Design and Setting: Longitudinal, retrospective, 7-year study conducted in a tertiary pediatric endocrine unit and university pediatric clinic. Patients and Methods:We studied 104 patientswith TS (mean age6standard deviation, 9.163.4 years) for a median of 7.2 years. Intervention: Every year, the children underwent an oral glucose tolerance test, which was used to calculate HOMA-S, IGI, and ODI. Results: HOMA-S, IGI, and ODI did not significantly change. Conclusion: The results are reassuring, showing no negative influence of GH treatment on insulin sensitivity and on b-cell secretory capacity in girlswith TS.