The Role of the Pituitary-Growth Hormone-IGF Axis in Glucose Homeostasis

Abstract

Hypoglycemia results when either carbohydrate intake is low, tissue use is high (glycolysis or glucagons synthesis), or endogenous production of glucose is low (glycogenolysis and glyuconeogenesis)(Berry, Nathan et al. 2009). Glucose levels are controlled by the hormone insulin, and also by the counterregulatory hormones glucagons, cortisol, growth hormone (GH), epinephrine, and norepinephrine. The counterregulatory hormones stimulate production and release of glucose. Hypoglycemia is the most common metabolic problem in neonates, and is also seen in children and adults.