Growth hormone and ACTH deficiency in a diabetic adult

Abstract

Adult growth hormone deficiency (AGHD) syndrome has a constellation of features, like impaired cognitive function, altered body composition, poor quality of life and various metabolic changes. Most of its features resemble signs of aging as growth hormone (GH) secretion decreases with age. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis should be thoroughly investigated in this disease as patients with AGHD are at risk of life-threatening consequences due to partial or complete ACTH deficiency, especially in stressful conditions. GH deficiency has also been related to diabetes or glucose intolerance. It is relatively underdiagnosed problem in adults and requires a thorough workup including dynamic function tests like insulin tolerance test (ITT), which has been termed as the gold standard for the diagnosis of patients with ACTH deficiency.