Profile of insulin resistance of pregnant women at late third trimester in Nigeria: A descriptive cross‑sectional report

Abstract

Background: Exaggerated level of insulin resistance (IR) is associated with poor pregnancy outcomes. Identifying affected women may forestall these outcomes. There are few reports on IR and its predictors among pregnant women in Nigeria. Aim: To determine the profile of IR, using the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‑IR), and its predictors among parturient Nigerian women in third trimester. Patients and Methods: A cross‑sectional baseline data of healthy pregnant women in third trimester, consecutively recruited into a cohort study that evaluated IR and neonatal outcomes at a tertiary maternity. Sociodemographic and clinical data were obtained. Fasting venous blood was analyzed for glucose and insulin and HOMA‑IR was calculated. Results: We consecutively recruited 401 healthy pregnant women between 28 and 41 weeks [means ± SD = 37.4 ± 0.8 weeks]; mean age 31.52 ± 4.3 years (range: 20‑41 years). Median (IQR) HOMA‑IR was 1.15 (0.63, 1.96; range: 0.02– 11.73). Binary multivariable logistic regression showed overweight‑.[aOR (95% CI) = 3.29 (1.18, 9.13)], hyperglycemia‑ [aOR (95% CI) = 2.98 (1.19, 6.90)], and hypertension as independent predictors of IR [aOR (95% CI) = 2.85 (1.18, 6.90)]. Conclusion: Among nondiabetic Nigerian pregnant women in late third trimester, IR was independently associated with overweight, hypertension, and hyperglycemia. Control of adiposity is a potential target for control of IR and consequently its outcomes.