Use of Norplant in women with or at-risk for noninsulin-dependent diabetes.

This review addresses the use of Norplant in women with or at-risk for noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Background information on NIDDM is given, including pathogenesis, effect on glucose and lipid metabolism, and management. The effect of exogenous estrogen and progestogens on glucose tolerance is briefly discussed. In reviewing the effects of Norplant on glucose metabolism, studies on women with normal glucose tolerance were reviewed, along with the one study of Norplant use in women with a past history of gestational diabetes. Norplant does have a minor effect on glucose metabolism. Studies are contradictory regarding lipid metabolism but most suggest that Norplant does not have a negative effect on the high density lipoprotein/total cholesterol ratio. Factors influencing contraceptive choice are reviewed. Protocols for management of Norplant in women with or at-risk for NIDDM are then presented, followed by a case study and a brief discussion.