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Published on: June 11, 2012
Postpartum glucose tolerance in women with gestational diabetes using levonorgestrel intrauterine contraception
Jessica W Kiley1, Cassing Hammond1, Charlotte Niznik1
1Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 676 N. St. Clair Street, Suite 1315, Chicago, IL 60611.
Objective:
Postpartum contraception is critical in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). We evaluated the effect of the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) on glucose tolerance in postpartum women with GDM.
Study Design:
The study is a descriptive analysis of 12-month glucose tolerance in women with recent GDM who used the LNG-IUS, the copper IUD or postpartum sterilization.
Results:
Twelve months postpartum, 3 of 13 LNG-IUS users (23.1%) and 1 of 6 nonhormonal contraceptive users (16.6%) had prediabetes. No woman developed overt diabetes.
Conclusions:
This study is the first and only to measure the metabolic effects of the LNG-IUS women with GDM. Larger trials are necessary.
Implications:
Use of levonorgestrel intrauterine contraception does not appear to negatively affect glucose tolerance in postpartum women with a history of gestational diabetes. Additional appropriately powered clinical studies are needed to confirm these results.
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