Correlation of insulin levels in diabetic mothers and fetal insulin resistance

To explore the relationship between maternal insulin levels and fetal insulin resistance. Maternal blood and venous cord blood samples were collected in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) mothers and control subjects. The glucose and insulin levels were measured and insulin resistance levels estimated. Maternal levels of insulin and homeostasis model of assessment for insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) were significantly higher in the GDM group than those in the control group (P<0.05); fetal levels of insulin and HOMA-IR were significantly higher in the GDM group than in the control group (P<0.05). Maternal insulin level positively correlated with fetal insulin (r=0.326, P<0.05) and HOMA-IR levels (r=0.378, P<0.05). In this study, a higher level of fetal insulin resistance was reported in the GDM group. And maternal hyperinsulinemia might affect fetal insulin resistance in pregnant women with GDM. Key words: Diabetes mellitus, gestational; Insulin resistance