The long-term objective is to determine whether prolonged GH administration can reduce postprandial glucose levels in viscerally obese adults with impaired glucose tolerance IGT). IGT increases the risk for developing 2 major health problems, type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease, and this risk decreases when postprandial glucose reduction is achieved.
The specific aim i s to determine if GH administration in viscerally obese adults with TGT will result in (1) a reduction in visceral fat and (2) lower postprandial glucose levels after a 75 gm glucose load. Men and women between the ages of 40 and 75 with visceral obesity and IGT will be recruited to participate. During weeks 0-8, subjects will receive a thiazolinedione (TZD) or oral placebo to determine if TZDs can overcome the transient insulin resistant effects of GH during the first few weeks of treatment. During weeks 8-32, recombinant human GH or a subcutaneous placebo will be co-administered with TZD or placebo. Changes in visceral body tat will be determined with CT scan and waist circumference measurements. Changes in postprandial glucose levels before and after 6 months of GH treatment will be determined using a 75 gm oral glucose tolerance test.
