[The role of growth hormone in the development of complications in insulin-dependent diabetes].

Disturbed function of the axis hypothalamus-growth hormone-somatomeding C (IGF-1) plays an important role in the development of diabetic angiopathy. Patients with insuline dependent diabetes show increased secretion on GH but secretion of IGF-1 may be normal, decreased or increased. These disturbances are especially distinct in the prepubescent period when susceptibility to develop complications is bigger. Increased secretion of GH and IGF-1 plays an essential role in the development of retinopathy and diabetic nephropathy. The paper explains the role of GH in controlling glycaemia and in the development of vascular complications during diabetes.