Is there a link between beta-endorphin and diabetes in pregnancy?

The possible influence of both beta-endorphin and insulin secretion on diabetes development in pregnant women was studied by means of radioimmunoassay technique (RIA-Nichols Institute). The study was carried out by determination of beta endorphins in peripheral blood samples of 28 pregnant women with gestational diabetes. They consisted of two subgroups: 14 women with insulin independence, and 14 with insulin-dependent disease. Beta endorphin increase was found in both groups, according to the progression of gestation, and the rise was significantly higher in the insulin-dependent group. At the same time, insulin application caused a marked growth of beta-endorphins in insulin-dependent group. Beta-endorphins, inhibiting insulin secretion, can influence gestational diabetes development.