OBESITY ASSOCIATED INSULIN-RESISTANCE OCCURS IN HYPOPITUITARY SUBJECTS

The study aimed to assess the role of pituitary hormones in the relati onship between insulin resistance and obesity. Twelve male subjects wi th hypopituitarism secondary to surgery for a non-functioning pituitar y adenoma were recruited. Subjects were receiving replacement hormones . Fasting plasma samples were taken for insulin, C-peptide, glucose, a nd lipids. Body mass index and blood pressure were measured. In hypopi tuitary subjects on replacement therapy, a positive association betwee n body mass index and fasting plasma insulin levels (r = 0.76, p<0.004 ) was similar to that found in normal subjects. In conclusion pituitar y function does not have a direct role in determining the relationship between fasting plasma insulin, an index of insulin resistance, and o besity.