Resistance to insulin-mediated glucose uptake and hyperinsulinemia in women who had preeclampsia during pregnancy

Plasma glucose and insulin responses to a 75-g oral glucose load, and the steady-state plasma insulin (SSPI) and glucose (SSPG) concentrations after an infusion of somatostatin, insulin, and glucose, were determined 2 months after delivery in 26 women; 13 who had a normal pregnancy and 13 who developed preeclampsia. The plasma glucose response to oral glucose was not different in the two groups, but the plasma insulin response was significantly greater (P< .02) in those who had been preeclamptic. Although the mean (±SE) SSPI concentrations during the infusion study were similar in the two groups (51 ± 2 v 56 ± 2 μU/mL), the SSPG concentrations were significantly higher (P< .02) in those who developed preeclampsia (160 ± 17 v 119 ± 17 mg/dL). Thus, when studied 2 months after delivery, women who developed preeclampsia were relatively insulin resistant and hyperinsulinemic when compared to those who had an uncomplicated pregnancy.