| Abstract: | Oral glucose tolerance test and insulin releasetest are investigated before and after control ofthyrotoxicosis in 32 cases of diffuse goiter withhyperthyroidism Glucose tolerance is frequentlyimpaired and insulin secretion suppressed inuncontrolled thyrotoxicosis, some may reachdiabetic diagnostic criteria. After control, most glucose tolerance and in-sulin secretion could be restored to normal ormarkedly improved leaving only a few stilldiabetic. Excessive thyroid hormones in hyperthy-roidism facilitate the intestinal absorption ofglucose and suppression of insulin secretion re-sulting in deterioration of glucose tolerance. Graves' disease and insulin dependentdiabetes share common immunologic and here-ditary genetic defects and therefore can be seenin the same patient. However, secondarydiabetes may ensue in the elderly and those withpotential diabetogenic factors. |
