[Changes in carbohydrate tolerance in the puerperium by inhibition of lactation with bromocriptine and quinestrol (author's transl)]

Abstract

In the present study the influence of bromocriptine on carbohydrate tolerance was examined and its effects compared with those of an estrogenic compound (Quinestrol). Sixteen patients were studied in each group. The controls consisted of 16 women who breastfed their children. No significant difference was found in the oGTT in patients who had Quinestrol compared with the controls. However blood sugar values in women receiving bromocriptine were significantly lowered when compared with values of individuals who had Quinestrol. The reduction of blood sugar values depends on the dosage of bromocriptine. Inhibition of lactation with bromocriptine may lead to false negative results in patients who are at risk to have a prediabetic condition.

PIP: The influence of bromocriptine in 2 different doses (5 and 7.5 mg) and of quinestrol (4 mg) on carbohydrate tolerance was measured in 66 women in puerperium; 16 women who breast-fed their children served as a control. No significant differences could be found in the levels of oGTT in those patients who were administered quinestrol as compared with the control group. Blood sugar levels in those women receiving bromocriptine were found to be significantly lowered in comparison to those patients who received quienstrol and the control group. The reduction of blood sugar levels was found to depend on the dosage of bromocriptine. The inhibition of lactation using bromocriptine is thought to perhaps lead to false negative results of glucose tolerance tests which may lead to the risk of diabetes. The mechanism of bromocriptine is not considered well enough understood yet to justify its use.