It is well recognised that the growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth
factor (IGF) system is well recognised to have a role in diabetes and obesity. The IGFs
(IGF-I and IGF-II) have structural similarity to proinsulin and the type 1 IGF receptors
and insulin receptors are able to form heterodimers that participate in metabolic and
mitogenic signalling. Obesity, diabetes and the metabolic syndrome are associated with
alterations in the GH/IGF system. Perturbations in this system are also associated with
predisposition to diabetes, obesity and the metabolic syndrome and also the risk of
vascular and other complications.
Targeting this system holds therapeutic promise. Therefore, having introduced the
relevant physiology and pathophysiology, the evidence base in to using GH and IGFs
in the management of GH and IGFs therapy will be presented and the advantages and
limitations of such approaches will be discussed.
Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, Growth hormone, Insulin-like growth factor-I,
Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3, Insulin resistance, Obesity.
