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Abnormalities in fasting circulating proinsulin concentration in mild gestational diabetes
A Dornhorst1, M Davies, V Anyaoku
1Unit of Metabolic Medicine, St. Mary's Hospital Medical School, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London, UK.
Clinical Endocrinology
|March 1, 1991
Summary
Women with mild gestational diabetes exhibit higher proinsulin and lower insulin levels, indicating pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction. These findings suggest a link between altered insulin secretion and gestational diabetes development.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Disorders
- Reproductive Medicine
Background:
- Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common pregnancy complication.
- Early detection and understanding of GDM pathophysiology are crucial for maternal and fetal health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate pancreatic beta-cell secretory function in women with mild GDM.
- To compare fasting proinsulin, insulin, and glucose levels between GDM patients and controls.
Main Methods:
- Fasting plasma proinsulin, insulin, and glucose were measured in 10 women with mild GDM and 10 matched controls.
- Calculated intact insulin levels and the proinsulin to insulin ratio were determined.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in fasting plasma glucose was observed between groups.
- Gestational diabetics showed significantly higher fasting proinsulin levels (P ≤ 0.02).
- Calculated intact insulin levels were significantly lower in GDM patients (P ≤ 0.01), with a higher proinsulin to insulin ratio (P ≤ 0.01).
Conclusions:
- Mild GDM is associated with pancreatic beta-cell secretory abnormalities, even with normal fasting glucose.
- These beta-cell dysfunctions may play a role in the etiology of GDM and potentially non-insulin-dependent diabetes.