As a counterregulatory hormone for insulin, glucagon plays a critical role in maintaining glucose homeostasis in vivo. It is well known that intramuscular glucagon administration stimulates growth hormone (GH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol release in humans. Recently, it has been shown that glucagon induces a remarkable decrease in ghrelin levels. The mechanisms underlying this effect are unclear and the role of changes in glucose, insulin, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and catecholamines are widely discussed. The aim of the present study is to further evaluate the effect of glucagon on ghrelin secretion and the possible role of the above mentioned factors in mediating this effect.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Subjects > 18 and < 60 years old.

• Patients with diabetes type 1 should fulfill the following criteria:

  • ICT Insulin therapy was necessary within the first 3 months after diagnosis;
  • HbA1c-Wert < 7%.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Diabetes type 1 or 2 (for the healthy group).
• Biochemical evidence of impaired hepatic or renal function.
• History of cardiovascular disease.
• Uncontrolled hypertension.
• Current inflammatory, malignant or psychiatric disease.
• Pregnancy