Interrelation Between Glucose, Insulin, C-Peptide and 3-Hydroxybutyrate in Plasma and Amniotic Fluid in Last Trimester Diabetic Women Without Residual Betacell Function

Abstract

The relationship between maternal plasma and amniotic fluid (AF) concentrations of glucose, insulin, C-peptide and 3-hydroxybutyrate (3-HB) was analysed between 45 to 140 minutes after a standardized breakfast in 8 type I diabetic women without residual betacell function and in 13 nondiabetic control women during the last trimester of gestation. AF levels of both glucose and C-peptide were slightly and AF insulin levels significantly (P less than 0.05) elevated above normal in the diabetic women. 3-HB levels in plasma and in AF were significantly (P less than 0.05) elevated in the diabetic group between 45 to 65 minutes after breakfast. AF insulin and glucose was significantly correlated in the diabetic group (r = 0.96, P less than 0.05). During the 2 hour study period AF levels of glucose, insulin and C-peptide remained essentially unchanged in both groups of women. Changes in maternal plasma 3-HB concentrations seemed to be more rapidly reflected in AF.