The serum levels somatostatin in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

The dynamic study of somatostatin secretion was performed in 105 patients, with noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus and 40 healthy volounteers. The patients were divided into groups in relation to the presence of autonomic neuropathy and metabolic control of diabetes mellitus. Serum somatostatin secretion was determined employeing a specific RIA method. An oral administration of a protein rich meal was performed in all subjects. The serum levels of somatostatin were not significantly different between type 2 diabetics and controls. There were no significant difference between the group with and the group without autonomic neuropathy. Diabetics in poor metabolic control had significantly increased in somatostatin (54.0 ? 22.2 pmol/L) levels compared with group well compensated (48.8 ? 16.5 pmol/L) (p < 0.01). Data of increased somatostatin levels in poor controlled diabetics suggest it-s pathophysiological role in type 2 diabetes mellitus.