Longitudinal Changes in Insulin Sensitivity and Body Composition of Small-For-Gestational-Age Adolescents after Cessation of Growth Hormone Treatment

Context: GH treatment reduces insulin sensitivity (Si). For small-for-gestational-age (SGA) subjects, who might have an increased risk to develop cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, it is still uncertain how Si, β-cell function, and body composition change over time after stopping GH treatment. Objective: Our objective was to investigate longitudinal changes in Si, β-cell function, and body composition after cessation of long-term GH treatment. Design and Patients: We conducted a longitudinal study that included 48 SGA adolescents studied at adult height, while still on GH, and 6 months after GH stop and compared them with 38 appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) controls at both time points. Outcome Measure: We took paired measurements of Si and β-cell function, assessed by frequently sampled iv glucose tolerance tests with tolbutamide, and body composition, measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Results: After stopping GH, Si (P = 0.006), glucose effectiveness (Sg; P = 0.009) and β-cell f...