Postpartum glucose tolerance in women with gestational diabetes using levonorgestrel intrauterine contraception.

OBJECTIVE

Postpartum contraception is critical in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). We evaluated the effect of the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) on glucose tolerance in postpartum women with GDM.

STUDY

DESIGN

The study is a descriptive analysis of 12-month glucose tolerance in women with recent GDM who used the LNG-IUS, the copper IUD or postpartum sterilization.

RESULTS

Twelve months postpartum, 3 of 13 LNG-IUS users (23.1%) and 1 of 6 nonhormonal contraceptive users (16.6%) had prediabetes. No woman developed overt diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first and only to measure the metabolic effects of the LNG-IUS women with GDM. Larger trials are necessary.

IMPLICATIONS: Use of levonorgestrel intrauterine contraception does not appear to negatively affect glucose tolerance in postpartum women with a history of gestational diabetes. Additional appropriately powered clinical studies are needed to confirm these results.