Ketone Body Infusion Abrogates Growth Hormone-Induced Lipolysis and Insulin Resistance

In a randomized, single-blinded crossover design, 8 healthy men were studied twice with a growth hormone infusion to induce lipolysis, combined with an infusion of either beta-hydroxybutyrate or saline. Each study day included a basal period and a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp with a glucose tracer and adipose tissue and skeletal muscle biopsies. Beta-hydroxybutyrate profoundly suppressed free fatty acid levels, with a significant increase in glucose disposal and energy expenditure. Skeletal muscle content of both beta-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate rose many-fold.