Leptin Level in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Leptin, a protein secreted by white adipocytes, plays a relevant role in the regulation of body weight and food intake. During pregnancy, leptin seem to act in an autocrine/paracrine fashion in the placenta and adipose tissue, playing a role in the maternal-fetal interface and contributing to glucose metabolism and fetal development. Leptin level, BMI, glucose and lipid profile were measured in 30 gestational diabetes mellitus and 30 non-diabetic pregnant women from January 2010 to June 2011. Blood samples were collected of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnant women. Correlation measured between leptin level with BMI and lipid profile. Leptin level increased significantly (P ≤ 0.01) in diabetic pregnant women during the three trimesters compared to the non-diabetic pregnant women. There was a positive correlation leptin level with BMI and lipid profile (except HDL-cholesterol) which increased in diabetic pregnant women. These increased in leptin level in diabetic pregnant women due to insulin resistant and hyperinsulinemia in gestational diabetes mellitus.