IGF-1, also known as Insulin-like Growth Factor-1, is a hormone produced in the liver that is essential for normal growth and development. It is one of the three major growth factors that regulate the growth and development of the body. In acromegaly, a condition in which the body produces too much growth hormone, IGF-1 levels are abnormally high.
High levels of IGF-1 lead to an increase in growth hormone production, which in turn causes the body to grow larger than normal. This is why people with acromegaly often have larger than normal facial features and hands and feet. High levels of IGF-1 can also lead to an increased risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
The diagnosis of acromegaly is usually made based on the presence of high IGF-1 levels in the blood. Treatment with drugs, surgery, and/or radiation therapy is used to reduce IGF-1 levels and slow the progression of the condition.
In summary, IGF-1 is a hormone produced in the liver that is essential for normal growth and development. In acromegaly, a condition in which the body produces too much growth hormone, IGF-1 levels are abnormally high, leading to increased growth, as well as an increased risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. The diagnosis of acromegaly is usually made based on the presence of high IGF-1 levels in the blood, and treatment with drugs, surgery, and/or radiation therapy is used to reduce IGF-1 levels and slow the progression of the condition.