Horm Metab Res 2021; 53(01): 16-23
DOI: 10.1055/a-1258-8625
Review

The Effect of Pituitary Gland Disorders on Glucose Metabolism: From Pathophysiology to Management

Guy I. Sydney
1   Center for Pediatric Clinical Effectiveness, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
,
Konstantinos Michalakis
2   Imperial College of Medicine, London, UK
,
Ilias P. Nikas
3   School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
,
Eleftherios Spartalis
4   2nd Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
,
Stavroula A. Paschou
3   School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
5   School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
› Author Affiliations
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Abstract

This review aims to explore, present, and discuss disorders of glucose metabolism implicated in pituitary gland diseases, the appropriate interventions, as well as the therapeutic challenges that may arise. Pituitary pathologies may dysregulate glucose homeostasis, as both the excess and deficiency of various pituitary hormones can affect glucose metabolism. Increased circulating levels of growth hormone, glucocorticoids or prolactin have been shown to mainly provoke hyperglycemic states, while hypopituitarism can be associated with both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia. Addressing the primary cause of these disorders with the use of surgery, medical treatment or radiotherapy forms the cornerstone of current management strategies. Physicians should bear in mind that some such medications have an unfavorable effect on glucose metabolism too. When unsuccessful, or until the appropriate treatment of the underlying pituitary problem, the addition of established antidiabetic therapies might prove useful. Further studies aiming to discover more accurate and effective drug preparations in combination with optimal lifestyle management models will contribute to achieving a more successful glycemic control in these patients.



Publication History

Received: 24 July 2020

Accepted after revision: 02 September 2020

Article published online:
12 October 2020

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