Insulin secretion at the diagnosis of gestational diabetes is lower in multiparas than in primiparas

UNLABELLED: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has heterogeneous ethiopathogenesis, pathophysiology and clinical features. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate some of anthropometric parameters, clinical features and indices of insulin resistance and beta cell function in GDM women in first pregnancy and in GDM women in third and following pregnancies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 877 GDM women, aged 18-48 years were studied. Both groups were compared according to age, BMI before pregnancy, week of GDM diagnosis, weight gain during pregnancy, fasting blood glucose, fasting serum insulin level, HbA1c, insulin resistance and beta-cell function indices. All parameters except BMI were evaluated at GDM diagnosis. RESULTS: Multiparas were older, with higher BMI and lower beta-cell function indices. CONCLUSION: At the moment of GDM diagnosis, insulin secretion evaluated by HOMA indices are lower in multiparas in comparison to primaparas.