Growth Hormone Resistance of Beta-cells A

Growth Hormone Resistance of Beta-cells in Women With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

The purpose of the research study is to better understand how beta-cells (cells in the pancreas that make insulin and help regulate blood sugar) respond to growth hormone in people with a personal history of gestational diabetes (high blood sugar in pregnancy) at the University of Missouri. The aim of the study is to advance understanding of how growth hormone affects beta-cells and risk factors for developing gestational diabetes.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Singleton, full term pregnancy within the past 5 years
• Body mass index ≥18.5 kg/m2 and <45.0 kg/m2

Group specific inclusion criteria:

• Gestational Diabetes Group: History of gestational diabetes in the most recent pregnancy
• Control Group: no history of gestational diabetes

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant, planning to become pregnant during the study, or breastfeeding
• Current diagnosis or history of type 1 or type 2 diabetes
• Use of medications that can impact the study outcomes (e.g., GLP-1 receptor agonists)
• History of bariatric surgery
• Known, uncontrolled hypothyroidism
• History of intracranial hypertension, including papilledema, or a condition that increases the risk of developing intracranial hypertension, such as Turner Syndrome, Prader-Willi Syndrome, or renal impairment
• Current cancer or cancer that has been in remission less than 5 years
• First degree relative with diabetes diagnosis
• Evidence of significant anemia or significant end organ dysfunction (e.g., liver, kidney, heart disease)
• Alcohol use disorder, use of controlled substances, or smoking >2 cigarettes per day
• Greater than 3% weight loss within three months of screening or engaged in regular (≥3 days per week), continuous moderate- or high-intensity exercise of ≥30 min duration
• Mentally disabled persons, prisoners, and persons with inability to grant voluntary informed consent