Effects of antidiabetic agents on pancreatic beta-cell function in gestational diabetes: is there enough evidence?

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is typically characterized by the presence of insulin resistance. However, recent studies showed that both insulin resistance and pancreatic beta-cell function impairment may contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes in women with history of GDM. In fact, beta-cell function decline was found as significant predictor of later disease in former GDM women progressing towards type 2 diabetes. Despite the evidence of the relevance of beta-cell function quantification in GDM, a low number of studies focused on the effects of GDM treatments on beta-cell function. We briefly present the evidence of the effects on beta-cell function of pharmacological agents, as well as nutrition supplements or medical nutrition therapy, used in the management of GDM. We found that few studies reported information on beta-cell function effects in GDM, despite some agents, such as glyburide, are well known insulin secretagogues. Therefore, further studies should be carried out to clearly assess the effects on beta-cell function of the treatments in GDM women.