Prevalence of insulin resistance in patients diagnosed with pheochromocytoma

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to examine the prevalence of accompanying insulin resistance in patients who are diagnosed with pheochromocytoma. Patients and methods: A total of 44 non-diabetic patients (10 males, 34 females; mean age 54.2±12.1 years; range 42 to 66 years), who were diagnosed with pheochromocytoma at the Endocrinology Clinic of Tepecik Education and Research Hospital between January 2014 and January 2016, were retrospectively analyzed. The Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA-IR) formula [HOMA-IR = fasting insulin (μU/L) x glukoz (mmol/L)/22.5] was used to predict the insulin resistance. Results: The mean HOMA-IR value was found to be 3.2±1.2. Insulin resistance was detected in 29 of the patients (65.9%). Conclusion: In addition to causing secondary hypertension, pheochromocytoma often leads to impaired glucose tolerance, but is usually overlooked in treatment. Based on the data obtained from our study, we think that insulin resistance should be investigated in every pheochromocytoma patient.