Increased Insulin Resistance in Roma Pregnancies

Background: Reduced tissue sensitivity to insulin, as well as the associated increased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus is genetically controlled and often varies racially and geo-graphically. Roma populations constitute a genetically autonomous society with particu-larities in their type of sociability, while they are reported to have an increased prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus, which is pathophysiologically related to insulin resistance. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the level of insulin sensitivity in pregnancies of Roma mothers compared to controls. Methods: A total of 65 pregnancies were studied during the third trimester, divided in 33 Roma mothers (RP) and 32 mothers of European descent to serve as control volunteers (CP). The presence of Gestational Diabetes was confirmed according to the WHO diagnos-tic criteria by 75 mg Oral Glucose Tolerance Test and insulin resistance status by the means of HOMA-IR index. Results: The mean fasting insulin levels as well as the mean HOMA-IR index were statis-tically significantly higher in Roma population (p=0.0013) and (p< 0.001) respectively, re-gardless of age and BMI of the participants. Gestational Diabetes Mellitus developed in 7 women (10.7%), 5 of whom were Roma (15.1%) and in 2 Controls (6.2%)(p=0.247). Conclusions: Increased insulin resistance is observed in Roma pregnancies, so it would be beneficial to provide these women with appropriate counseling focused on healthy diet and lifestyle.