Objective: It is still unknown if serum retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) relates to metabolic control and the occurrence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). We studied RBP4 levels in patients with insulin-treated GDM and healthy pregnant women twice during pregnancy.
Methods: Sixty-three women with GDM and 38 healthy pregnant women were included. Serum RBP4 levels were measured at 24-28 weeks of gestation and 8 weeks later. Patients with GDM were treated with insulin.
Results: Serum RBP4 levels increased significantly between the two measurements in patients with GDM (p = 0.03). In patients with GDM, RBP4 concentrations at 33 weeks of gestation correlated positively with mean blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c values, and cord blood insulin values right after delivery. Regression analyses showed that the diagnosis of GDM (p = 0.04) and hemoglobin A1c levels (p < 0.001) were related to RBP4 levels at 33 weeks of gestation.
Conclusions: Serum RBP4 levels increase during pregnancy in patients with insulin-treated GDM.