Comparison of Serum Levels of Leptin and Adiponectin in Pregnant Women with Gestational Diabetes and Healthy Pregnant Women

Introduction: Gestational diabetes is defined as a glucose intolerance of varying severity, with onset or first recognition during pregnancy. The aims of the present study were assessing the serum levels of leptin and adiponectin and the relationship between adiponectin/leptin ratio and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in gestational diabetes. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 30 pregnant women with gestational diabetes and 30 healthy pregnant women referred to Asalian hospital of Khramabad, Iran in 2012. Serum levels of Insulin, leptin and adiponectin were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method (ELISA). Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 11.5, Mann-Whitney and Spearman correlation tests. P value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Serum level of leptin was not significantly different between groups (p=0.20) but adiponectin level was significantly decreased in gestational diabetes group (p=0.01). Serum level of insulin was not significantly different between groups (p=0.42), but HOMA-IR was significantly increased in gestational diabetes groups (p=0.04). The adiponectin/leptin ratio was decreased significantly in pregnant women with gestational diabetes compared to healthy pregnant women (p=0.01). Conclusion: The adiponectin/leptin ratio might be used as a potential biomarker for diagnosis or early recognition of insulin resistance in gestational diabetes.