Effect of excessive gestational weight gain on insulin sensitivity and insulin kinetics in women with overweight/obesity.

OBJECTIVE

Obesity increases the risk for pregnancy complications and maternal hyperglycemia. The Institute of Medicine developed guidelines for gestational weight gain (GWG) targets for women with overweight/obesity, but it is unclear whether exceeding these targets has adverse effects on maternal glucose metabolism.

METHODS

Insulin sensitivity (assessed using the Matsuda Insulin Sensitivity Index), β-cell function (assessed as insulin secretion rate in relation to plasma glucose), and plasma insulin clearance rate were evaluated using a frequently sampled oral glucose tolerance test at 15 and 35 weeks of gestation in 184 socioeconomically disadvantaged African American women with overweight/obesity.

RESULTS

Insulin sensitivity decreased, whereas β-cell function and insulin clearance increased from 15 to 35 weeks of gestation in the entire group. Compared with women who achieved the recommended GWG, excessive GWG was associated with a greater decrease in insulin sensitivity between 15 and 35 weeks. β-cell function and plasma insulin clearance were not affected by excessive GWG.

CONCLUSIONS

These data demonstrate that gaining more weight during pregnancy than recommended by the Institute of Medicine is associated with functional effects on glucose metabolism.