[Diabetes regulation and oral contraceptives. Lipoporotein metabolism in women with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus using oral contraceptives]

Abstract

In an open prospective study we evaluated the glycaemic control and lipoprotein metabolism in 22 women with uncomplicated insulin dependent diabetes mellitus during one year of oral contraception with ethinyl oestradiol and gestodene. Twenty women of comparable diabetic status using non hormonal contraception served as controls. No changes in glycaemic control were observed in any of the groups. In the oral contraceptive group decreased serum levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and increased levels of triglycerides and lipoprotein A were noted whereas total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were unchanged. In the control group a decrease of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was observed. No effect of tobacco smoking on glycometabolic control or lipoprotein metabolism could be demonstrated during hormonal intake. In conclusion, we found no evidence of impaired glycometabolic control or adverse changes in serum levels of lipoproteins known to be associated to atherosclerosis in diabetic women during one year of oral contraception with ethinyl oestradiol and gestodene.