Insulin resistance and gestational hypertension: A preliminary study in a small population of La Plata Municipality

Pregnant women with impaired insulin sensitivity are at risk for developing hypertensive disorders. By using a cut-off at 2.64 of the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) in basal condition (HOMA-0), the population under study (n = 154 pregnant women) was split into two groups: 1) with basal HOMA-0 <= 2.64 (non-insulin resistant; n = 113) and 2) with basal HOMA-0 > 2.64 (insulin resistant; n=41). Glucose and insulin circulating levels were analyzed throughout a 2-h oral 75 g glucose tolerance test (OGTT). The relationship between several parameters related to insulin resistance and the prevalence of pregnancy-induced hypertensive disorders was analyzed. Pregnant women (on week 24-28) were submitted to an OGTT, and glucose and insulin plasma concentrations were measured throughout the test. These peripheral metabolites levels and the values of the HOMA-IR and the glucose to insulin ratio (G: I) were analyzed. Anthropometric parameters and pregnancy outcome were recorded. Women with HOMA-0 > 2.64 but normal fasting glycemia showed higher insulinemias, G: I values and HOMA-IR values at both times of the OGTT. The latter were at greater risk for developing late pregnancy-induced hypertension compared to women with HOMA-0 <= 2.64.