Study to compare serum visfatin concentration in different trimesters of pregnancy

Aim: to compare serum visfatin level in different trimesters of pregnancy and to explore the use of serum visfatin as a predictor of insulin resistance and hence gestational diabetes mellitus. study design: a cross sectional comparative study study duration: from april 2010 to september 2012 place: this study was carried out in the department of physiology bmsi- jpmc in collaboration with abbasi shaheed hospital karachi. patients and methods: 88 women were included in the study,divided into four groups. all women underwent anthropometric variables,metabolic parameters and serum visfatin evaluation. homeostasis mathetical model assessment (homa-ir) and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (quicki). results: maternal serum visfatin concentration gradually increased during pregnancy as compared to non pregnant normal weight control women. we also observed a progressive increase in insulin resistance and decrease of insulin sensitivity during pregnancy. maternal weight,bmi and body fat percentage also increased gradually. conclusion: it was concluded that insulin resistance in normal pregnancy seems to increase throughout 2 nd and 3rd trimesters. adipose tissue derived visfatin increases in pregnancy to compensate for insulin resistance by its insulin mimetic properties.