Hyperinsulinemia increases the risk of gestational hypertension

Objective: To determine whether hyperinsulinemia is related to gestational hypertension. Methods: We measured the arterial blood pressure and the level of immunoreactive insulin (IRI) during a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test in a total of 84 pregnant women. Hyperinsulinemia was defined as a fasting IRI level greater than or equal to 9 IU/l, while gestational hypertension was defined as arterial blood pressure greater than or equal to 140/90 mmHg. Results: The incidence of gestational hypertension was higher in the hyperinsulinemic group (n = 29) than in the control group (n = 55) (24.1% us. 7.3%, respectively P < 0.05). After controlling for maternal age, parity, pre-pregnancy body mass index and the gestational age at the time of oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), using a multiple regression model, the relative risk of developing gestational hypertension for a fasting insulin level was 1.19 (95% C.I., 1.03-1.38). Conclusion: Pregnant women with hyperinsulinemia are at increased risk of developing gestational hypertension.