The metabolic trade-off that any growth hormone-raising agent carries, as the tesamorelin trials measured it

Published 26 October 2026 · REVIVE LAB UAE Research Desk · 5 min read
In the pooled phase 3 data, tesamorelin produced small mean increases in fasting glucose and in HbA1c relative to placebo over 26 weeks, with the differences narrowing by 52 weeks, and a slightly higher proportion of participants developed diabetes or impaired glucose during the trials. The effect was smaller than that seen in earlier trials of growth hormone itself in the same condition, consistent with the bounded IGF-1 response of a releasing-hormone analogue. The label advises monitoring glucose and caution in diabetes. The visceral fat reduction, which would be expected to improve insulin sensitivity, did not fully offset the direct anti-insulin action of the released hormone in these trials.

The findings

Fasting glucose rose by a few milligrams per decilitre on average; HbA1c by about a tenth of a percentage point; both statistically detectable and clinically small at the group level. A minority shifted category from normal to impaired or impaired to diabetic, more in the tesamorelin groups. Insulin sensitivity by indirect measures was little changed. The liver fat trials of Stanley and colleagues found similar glucose neutrality with improvement in liver fat.

The populations already had elevated metabolic risk from HIV and its treatment.

The comparison with growth hormone

Growth hormone given directly to people with HIV lipodystrophy in earlier trials reduced visceral fat more but raised glucose substantially more, with more withdrawals for hyperglycaemia, oedema and joint symptoms. The releasing-hormone approach traded some efficacy for a better metabolic profile. This trade-off is the central argument for the class and the reason the analogue rather than the hormone was approved for the condition.

The growth hormone pages on this site describe the diabetogenic action in detail.

Why it is here

Because the glucose effect is the principal metabolic cost of any agent that raises growth hormone, and the trials measured it. It describes trial findings and no use of the pack.

Tesamorelin is supplied by REVIVE LAB UAE for laboratory research use only, with identity by mass spectrometry and purity by HPLC for the batch. It is not for human or veterinary use, and no dosing, administration or protocol guidance is provided.

What it costs

FormatStrengthPriceAvailability
Tesamorelin Pack20 mgAED 1010In stock

Delivery is AED 40 flat and free on orders over AED 700. Payment is cash on delivery anywhere in the UAE, or USDT (TRC20) in advance, which takes 5% off the order total.

Frequently asked

The findings?

Fasting glucose rose by a few milligrams per decilitre on average; HbA1c by about a tenth of a percentage point; both statistically detectable and clinically small at the group level. A minority shifted category from normal to impaired or impaired to diabetic, more in the tesamorelin groups. Insulin sensitivity by indirect measures was little changed. The liver fat trials of Stanley and colleagues found similar glucose neutrality with improvement in liver fat.

Does REVIVE LAB UAE provide dosing guidance?

No. REVIVE LAB UAE supplies research materials and provides no dosing, administration or protocol guidance of any kind. Every product is sold for laboratory research use only and is not for human or veterinary consumption.

How fast is delivery in the UAE?

Stock is held in Dubai. An order confirmed before 4 PM Dubai time is dispatched the same working day, reaching Dubai and Abu Dhabi the same day and the remaining emirates within 24 hours. Delivery is AED 40 flat and free over AED 700.

Tesamorelin Pack — in stock, dispatched from Dubai
HPLC-verified, lot certificate on every carton, 24-hour delivery nationwide. Browse the catalogue → All peptides UAE

Related reading

Supplied for laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary consumption. REVIVE LAB UAE provides no dosing, administration or protocol guidance.