Study of Pregnancy Regulation of Insulin and Glucose

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) complicates 3-7% of pregnancies in the United States and is associated with perinatal morbidity and a high risk of future maternal type 2 diabetes. Current prevention and treatment of GDM relies on techniques developed in the type 2 diabetes population, without regard to unique physiology in pregnancy. GDM occurs in the setting of profound pregnancy changes in glucose metabolism: late pregnancy is normally characterized by marked insulin resistance. In order to maintain normal glucose levels and avoid GDM, pancreatic beta cells must augment insulin secretion to compensate. Women with GDM have inadequate beta-cell compensation for pregnancy-induced insulin resistance, resulting in hyperglycemia. It is unknown whether beta cell dysfunction and insulin resistance in GDM is representative of a chronic maternal defect, unmasked by pregnancy, or whether it is the result of an imbalance of a placental hormones. Undiscovered placental factors which vary between pregnancies likely contribute to the pathogenesis of GDM. Discovery of these factors and elucidation of the pathophysiology underlying GDM will allow for the development better GDM-specific prevention and treatment strategies.