THE EFFECT OF BROMOCRIPTINE ON INSULIN SECRETION AND GLUCOSE TOLERANCE IN PATIENTS WITH ACROMEGALY

Abstract
The oral administration of bromocriptine 5 mg every 6 h to 12 patients with acromegaly for a mean period of 12 (range 3-27) mo. significantly reduced whole blood glucose, plasma insulin and plasma growth hormone (GH) concentrations during a 50 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). After this period of treatment, bromocriptine was withdrawn for 48 h resulting in a significant rise in whole blood glucose, plasma insulin and plasma GH concentrations during a repeat OGTT. Bromocriptine therapy apparently improves glucose tolerance in acromegaly by suppressing GH secretion and consequently GH-mediated antagonism of insulin.