For Debate: The Two Paths of Growth Hormone (Excess and Deficiency): Both Roads Uniquely Lead to Diabetes Mellitus.

Glucose dysregulation (GD), a feature of growth hormone excess, in the setting of acromegaly is well known by clinicians. However, less well known is that GD may be a feature of growth hormone deficiency. The fact that either ends of the spectrum of growth hormone (excess or deficiency) can be associated with diabetes mellitus is unique and clinicians should especially recognize that impaired glucose tolerance and even diabetes mellitus may develop in individuals predisposed to having growth hormone deficiency.