Summary
Plasma glucose and Insulin responses to both oral and intravenous glucose stimulation
were evaluated in heroin and methadone addicts, compared to healthy control subjects.
Both groups of addicts had an altered response to oral and intravenous glucose load.
These phenomena were linked to a reduced insulin response. Moreover, increased fasting
insulin levels in both groups of addicts were observed.
These data show that both heroin and methadone addiction may alter glucose metabolism,
and, furthermore, stress the findings of similarities between opiate addicts and non-insulin
dependent diabetics.
Key-Words
Opiate Addiction
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Heroin
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Methadone
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Glucose Metabolism
