Early postpartum metabolic assessment in women with prior gestational diabetes.

Abstract

Low C-peptide/glucose score during pregnancy together with prepregnancy obesity and severity of GDM (number of abnormal values in the 100-g diagnostic OGTT) are independent predictors of subsequent diabetes. Our data suggest that regardless of obesity and severity of GDM, a beta-cell defect increases the risk of postpartum diabetes. The association of postpartum glucose tolerance with triglyceride levels, blood pressure, obesity, and regional distribution of body fat suggests that postpartum glucose intolerance anticipates a high-risk cardiovascular profile that comprises other risk factors besides diabetes.