INSULIN-RESISTANCE AND DEVELOPMENT OF DIABETES-MELLITUS ASSOCIATED WITH MEGESTROL-ACETATE THERAPY

We describe a case of diabetes mellitus induced by megestrol acetate i n a patient with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Metabolic stu dies including an arginine infusion test excluded an insulinopenic sta te and suggested insulin resistance as the underlying mechanism for hy perglycaemia. Withdrawal of megestrol acetate resulted in rapid correc tion of all metabolic abnormalities and eliminated the need for exogen ous insulin therapy.