Effects of Anterior Pituitary Adenomas' Hormones on Glucose Metabolism and Its Clinical Implications

Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. 2023 Feb 13:16:409-424. doi: 10.2147/DMSO.S397445. eCollection 2023.

Abstract

Pituitary adenomas have recently become more common and their incidence is increasing yearly. Functional pituitary tumors commonly secrete prolactin, growth hormones, and adrenocorticotropic hormones, which cause diseases such as prolactinoma, acromegaly, and Cushing's disease, but rarely secrete luteinizing, follicle-stimulating, thyroid-stimulating, and melanocyte-stimulating hormones. In addition to the typical clinical manifestations of functional pituitary tumors caused by excessive hormone levels, some pituitary tumors are also accompanied by abnormal glucose metabolism. The effects of these seven hormones on glucose metabolism are important for the treatment of diabetes secondary to pituitary tumors. This review focuses on the effects of hormones on glucose metabolism, providing important clues for the diagnosis and treatment of related diseases.

Keywords: glucocorticoids; glucose metabolism; growth hormones; pituitary adenoma; prolactin.

Publication types

  • Review