What effect does elevated growth hormone have on blood glucose levels?

Elevated growth hormone levels have a significant impact on blood glucose levels, primarily leading to an increase. Growth hormone promotes gluconeogenesis and decreases the uptake of glucose by peripheral tissues, particularly muscle and fat cells. This results in higher blood glucose concentrations as the liver continues to produce glucose while inhibiting its use in other tissues.

Furthermore, growth hormone antagonizes the action of insulin, which is responsible for lowering blood glucose. This antagonistic effect contributes to the overall increase in blood glucose levels when growth hormone is elevated. In conditions such as acromegaly, where there is excessive production of growth hormone, individuals often exhibit higher fasting blood glucose levels or even insulin resistance due to these metabolic effects.

Understanding this mechanism is critical, especially in the context of conditions like diabetes, where the interplay between hormones like insulin and growth hormone can significantly influence glycemic control.