A Study in the Pathogenesis of Hyperlipemia in a Patient with Acromegaly and Diabetes Mellitus

1. Metabolic and endocrine investigations were undertaken in a patient with acromegaly, diabetes mellitus, and hyperlipemia.

2. “Milky serum” disappeared with insulin therapy and diabetic control.

3. No abnormality in serum lipids or lipoprotein patterns was produced despite excess plasma growth hormone, excess adrenal corticosteroids, and the administration of fat or carbohydrate loads as long as rigid diabetic control was maintained.

4. Insulin deficiency was shown to be the major factor responsible for the hyperlipemia that occurred in this diabetic patient with active acromegaly.