The association of plasma pancreastatin levels with insulin resistance in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus

Introduction: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) occurs on the background of increased insulin resistance. We aimed to investigate the levels of plasma pancreastatin (PST) levels and its association with metabolic, demographic, and anthropometric parameters in gestational diabetic and normal glucose-tolerant pregnant women. Materials and methods: A total of 165 pregnant women in the 24th-28th week of pregnancy were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. PST levels were measured using ELISA method. Results: Median PST levels were similar between GDM (n= 62, 37.6%) and normal glucose-tolerant control group (n= 103, 62.4%). In the GDM group, PST level showed a significant positive correlation with fasting insulin and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). In binary logistic regression analysis, PST levels did not predict the presence of GDM significantly. Conclusion: Positive correlation of PST with fasting insulin and HOMA-IR suggests that PST could be associated with insulin resistance. Further studies are needed as regards to the role of PST in GDM pathogenesis.