Insulin secretion in pregnant diabetic Indian women in Natal

Abstract

A study was undertaken to establish the plasma insulin response to an oral glucose load of 100 g in pregnant diabetic Indian women living in Natal. Eighty-three patients were investigated during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy and during the postpartum period. Although absolute mean plasma insulin values were lower than those found in non-diabetic controls, these patients exhibited compensatory hyperinsulinism typical of late pregnancy. This feature is not present in juvenile onset pregnant diabetic women. Metabolic control of the diabetic syndrome by insulin therapy is mandatory in the latter patients, whereas the former usually respond to the beta cell-stimulating sulphonylureas throughout pregnancy.