Association of copeptin levels in the postpartum period with gestational diabetes

To investigate the association of copeptin levels in the postpartum period with previous gestational diabetes mellitus, as well as its cardiometabolic phenotypes and biomarkers.

In this cross-sectional analysis, women followed at a specialized gestational diabetes mellitus outpatient clinic were studied. Eligibility criteria included age ≥ 18 years and body mass index > 25 kg/m2. Participants were divided into two groups: those with (n = 42) and without gestational diabetes mellitus (n = 43). In the postpartum period (2 to 6 months), between September 2018 and May 2020, blood samples were collected for measurement of copeptin and E-selectin (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), adiponectin, blood glucose, insulin, glycated hemoglobin, lipid profile, thyroid stimulating hormone, and gamma-GT.

Eighty-five women were studied; 42 had previous gestational diabetes mellitus and 43 did not. There were no significant differences in copeptin levels between women with and without previous gestational diabetes mellitus (1.48 ± 0.66 versus 1.49 ± 0.68 pmol/L; p = 0.89). No associations were observed between copeptin levels and the other studied parameters. However, a positive association was found between copeptin and E-selectin levels in both groups (Kruskal-Wallis; p = 0.007).

Circulating copeptin levels were not associated with previous gestational diabetes mellitus or other related phenotypes in the postpartum period. A positive association was observed between copeptin and plasma E-selectin levels in women with and without previous gestational diabetes mellitus, which warrants further investigation.