Relation between insulin kinetics and insulin sensitivity in pregnancy

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Metabolic Research
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Background:

• Observed varied plasma insulin profiles in pregnant women during a frequently sampled intravenous glucose-tolerance-test (FSIVGTT).
• Investigated potential links between these profiles and maternal metabolism, specifically in relation to fetal macrosomia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if differing insulin time-concentration profiles were associated with insulin distribution volume, insulin clearance, or both.
• To explore the relationship between insulin kinetics and insulin sensitivity in pregnant women.

Main Methods:

• Utilized an insulin-modified FSIVGTT in 44 women between 33-35 weeks gestation.
• Assayed specific insulin using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and calculated insulin sensitivity via minimal model and HOMA.
• Determined insulin distribution volume and clearance using a one-compartment model from 2-155 min post-insulin modification.

Main Results:

• Found significant negative correlations between insulin increment and both distribution volume (rho=-0.92) and clearance (rho=-0.88).
• Demonstrated significant positive correlations between distribution volume and insulin sensitivity index (rho=0.56) and HOMA-%S (rho=0.30).
• Showed significant positive correlations between insulin clearance and insulin sensitivity index (rho=0.83) and HOMA-%S (rho=0.34).

Conclusions:

• Concluded that variations in plasma insulin profiles stem from differences in insulin distribution volume and clearance.
• Established a correlation between insulin kinetics (distribution volume and clearance) and insulin sensitivity.
• Highlighted the need for further research into the mechanisms linking insulin kinetics and insulin sensitivity in pregnancy.