Metformin and gestational diabetes

Curr Diab Rep. 2003 Aug;3(4):303-12. doi: 10.1007/s11892-003-0022-0.

Abstract

Pregnancy increases requirements for insulin secretion, increasing insulin resistance and demands on pancreatic b cells, promoting development of gestational diabetes (GD), particularly in women with preexisting insulin resistance, commonly in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Preliminary studies suggest that metformin may have the unique potential to prevent the development of GD. We postulate that interventions that reduce insulin resistance and lower requirements for endogenous insulin secretion can preserve b-cell function and prevent the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / prevention & control
  • Diabetes, Gestational / diagnosis
  • Diabetes, Gestational / drug therapy*
  • Diabetes, Gestational / epidemiology
  • Diabetes, Gestational / etiology
  • Female
  • Glucose / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Insulin / metabolism
  • Insulin Resistance / physiology
  • Islets of Langerhans / physiopathology
  • Mass Screening
  • Metformin / therapeutic use*
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / complications
  • Pregnancy

Substances

  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Insulin
  • Metformin
  • Glucose