A study was undertaken in Natal Indians to determine the insulin secretory response
and the comparative degree of free fatty acidaemia in normal and insulin-independent
diabetic pregnant women. The fasting plasma FFA and glucose levels were found to be
substantially greater in the diabetic subjects. The pattern of plasma FFA and glucose
response to exogenous insulin was similar in both groups. Endogenous insulin produced
a similar FFA response, but a markedly obtunded blood sugar response occurred among
the diabetics despite adequate plasma insulin levels. The significance of the differential
effect of endogenous insulin on FFA and glucose metabolism in pregnant insulin-independent
Natal Indian diabetics is discussed.
Pregnancy - Diabetes - Free Fatty Acids - Insulin
