Lower Serum level of Adiponectin is associated with increased Insulin Resistance in Nigerian women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Background: The exact mechanism implicated in the pathophysiology of the insulin resistance causing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is still not completely understood. Adiponectin is an adipocytokine that is proposed to be a potential mediator of the insulin resistance, but its role is not clear; Findings from studies done across different ethnic groups yielded conflicting results. The aim of the study is to determine the association between serum level of adiponectin and insulin resistance in Nigerian women with GDM.  Materials and Method: 100 pregnant women with GDM and another 100 healthy pregnant controls were enrolled in the study. Participating subjects were evaluated between 24-28 weeks gestation. Serum fasting insulin and adiponectin were measured. Insulin resistance index was calculated as homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Results: Pregnant women with GDM were more insulin resistant than the controls (3.14 ± 0.19 vs. 2.89 ± 0.20, p < 0.05). Decreased maternal serum adiponectin level was associated with higher insulin resistance in pregnant women with GDM (r = -0.58, p < 0.05). This association remained significant even after adjustment for age and body mass index. Conclusion: We conclude that among the pregnant Nigerian women with GDM in this study, decreased maternal serum adiponectin level is associated with higher insulin resistance.