Changes in insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion during pregnancy and post partum in women with gestational diabetes

Introduction The metabolic abnormalities underlying gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) include increased insulin resistance and beta cell defects, but it is essential to clarify how insulin resistance and insulin secretion develop post partum in order to decide when and how to screen for type 2 diabetes. The purpose of the present study was to characterize and compare changes in insulin sensitivity, insulin secretion and hormonal status around parturition and 6 months post partum in women with gestational diabetes. Research design and methods A longitudinal experimental study was performed at Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark. Eight women with GDM were examined at three identical visits: in late pregnancy (LP) between gestational age 34+0 and 36+6, early post partum (EPP) between 12 and 34 days post partum, and late post partum (LPP) 6 months post partum. An intravenous glucose tolerance test was performed, followed by a hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp. Blood samples were collected to assess metabolic, hormonal and inflammatory markers at each visit. Results First and second phase insulin secretion and C-peptide concentrations were higher in late pregnancy than post partum (p<0.001). Insulin sensitivity index (ISI) was different at all three visits: ISILP=0.03 +/- 0.004, ISIEPP=0.09 +/- 0.008 and ISILPP=0.07 +/- 0.008) (p<0.001). Also, significant changes in lipids, leptin, glucagon, growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1 were seen when comparing the visits. Conclusions Insulin sensitivity improves immediately after delivery in women with GDM but seems to deteriorate within the first 6 months post partum. Our findings underline the importance of having an increased awareness of the profound risk of developing type 2 diabetes after GDM.