Effects of antidiabetic agents on pancreatic beta-cell function in gestational diabetes: is there enough evidence?

ABSTRACT

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is typically characterized by the presence of insulin resistance. However, recent studies showed that both insulin resistance and pancreatic beta-cell function impairment may contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes in women with history of GDM. In fact, beta-cell function decline was found as significant predictor of later disease in former GDM women progressing towards type 2 diabetes. Despite the evidence of the relevance of beta-cell function quantification in GDM, a low number of studies focused on the effects of GDM treatments on beta-cell function. We briefly present the evidence of the effects on beta-cell function of pharmacological agents, as well as nutrition supplements or medical nutrition therapy, used in the management of GDM. We found that few studies reported information on beta-cell function effects in GDM, despite some agents, such as glyburide, are well known insulin secretagogues. Therefore, further studies should be carried out to clearly assess the effects on beta-cell function of the treatments in GDM women.

KEYWORDS:

• Antidiabetic agents
• beta-cell function
• gestational diabetes
• hypoglycemic agents
• insulin secretion
• nutrition therapy

Declaration of Interest

The author has no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending or royalties.