Non-Glucoregulatory Hormones (T₄, T₃, rT₃, TSH, Testosterone) during Physical Exercise in Juvenile-Type Diabetics

Abstract

Non-glucoregulatory hormones (T₄, T₃, rT₃, TSH and testosterone) were studied by radioimmunoassay in juvenile-type diabetics in moderate control and in ketosis due to insulin withdrawal and in age matched “normals” during a mild prolonged exercise test.

The basal serum hormone levels revealed the following findings: Serum testosterone was markedly lower in diabetics than in normals (177 ± 24 resp. 618 ± 52 ng/dl). This is in contrast to other studies, but it may reflect decreased testicular function due to an early, clinically not apparent atherosclerotic disease. Serum T₃ was significantly lower in diabetics than in normals (110 ± 16 resp. 145 ± 19), suggesting an early “low T₃-syndrome” in juvenile-type diabetics. However, increased serum rT₃ levels were not observed, and serum T₄ and TSH were normal.

Mild prolonged exercise had no major effects on these nonglucoregulatory hormones. In juvenile-type diabetics the degree of metabolic control had no influence on the response of the mentioned hormones. However, an increased cortisol/testosterone ratio in ketotic diabetics in the basal state with a further increase during exercise was demonstrated, indicating an aggravation of the catabolic state in these patients during exercise.

Key words

T₄ - T₃ - rT₃ - TSH - Testosterone - Physical Exercise - Juvenile - Type Diabetics