Recombinant human insulin-like growth factor-I (rhIGF-I) was evaluated in 7 healthy males to determine the pharmacodynamics on glucose and insulin levels. Each subject received an initial intravenous infusion of normal saline and on the following day, rhIGF-I at a rate of 21.4 micrograms/kg/h over 7 hours. The subjects' fasting baseline glucose and insulin levels were not statistically different (p > 0.05) from their pre-dose levels. Compared to the saline (control) infusion, glucose levels were statistically lower (p < 0.05) 2 hours into the rhIGF-I infusion, and were suppressed until the subjects consumed a standard lunch (4 hours into the infusion). Insulin levels demonstrated a similar response to rhIGF-I, but decreases in insulin levels occurred after the rhIGF-I hypoglycemic effect. Therefore, suppression of insulin levels may be due to hypoglycemia rather than a direct action of rhIGF-I. This trial demonstrated the desired rhIGF-I effect of lowering subjects' glucose levels without clinically significant hypoglycemia. This finding suggests that rhIGF-I may have potential clinical utility in hyperglycemic or insulin resistant states.