Beta-cell function and insulin resistance in pregnancy and their relation to fetal development.

Background: Insulin resistance in pregnancy is consequent to the physiological adaptation necessary to provide glucose to the growing fetus. Disturbance in the maternal metabolism can induce structural and functional adaptations during fetal development.

Methods: Pregnant women with duration of conception between 24 and 28 weeks were assessed for insulin resistance (IR) and beta-cell function by using homeostatic model assessment IR (HOMA-IR) and homeostatic model assessment of beta-cell function (HOMA-B) models, respectively.