Aims: To compare exercise-induced growth hormone (GH) response in patients with Type 1 diabetes during stable euglycaemic and hyperglycaemic conditions.
Methods: We conducted a randomized, controlled, single-blinded cross-over trial in seven male patients with well-controlled Type 1 diabetes. The patients cycled twice for 120 min at a level of 55-60% maximal oxygen uptake. Euglycaemia was at 5.0 mmol/l, hyperglycaemia at 11.0 mmol/l.
Results: Area under the curve of GH (AUC(GH)) during exercise was significantly higher during euglycaemia [1430 ng ml(-1) min, 95% confidence interval (CI) 703-2910] compared with hyperglycaemia (1061 ng ml(-1) min, 95% CI 538-2091, P = 0.02).
Conclusions: In patients with Type 1 diabetes, GH concentrations during moderate aerobic exercise during stable hyperglycaemic conditions are significantly lower compared with euglycaemia. These findings are compatible with preserved glucose-mediated GH regulation during exercise in individuals with well-controlled Type 1 diabetes.