N-3 PUFA and Pregnancy Preserve C-Peptide in Women with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Scientific paper - Review paper

• Author: Josip Đelmiš
• Author: Marina Ivanišević
• Author: Marina Horvatiček
• Author's institution: University of Zagreb; School of Medicine; (Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics)
• Scientific / art field, discipline and subdiscipline: BIOMEDICINE AND HEALTHCARE; Clinical Medical Sciences; Gynecology and Obstetrics

Abstract (english)

Type 1 diabetes (T1DM) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the gradual loss of β-cell function and insulin secretion. In pregnant women with T1DM, endogenous insulin production is absent or minimal, and exogenous insulin is required to control glycemia and prevent ketoacidosis. During pregnancy, there is a partial decrease in the activity of the immune system, and there is a suppression of autoimmune diseases. These changes in pregnant women with T1DM are reflected by Langerhans islet enlargement and improved function compared to pre-pregnancy conditions. N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) have a protective effect, affect β-cell preservation, and increase endogenous insulin production. Increased endogenous insulin production results in reduced daily insulin doses, better metabolic control, and adverse effects of insulin therapy, primarily hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia affects most pregnant women with T1DM and is several times more common than that outside of pregnancy. Strict glycemic control improves the outcome of pregnancy but increases the risk of hypoglycemia and causes maternal complications, including coma and convulsions. The suppression of the immune system during pregnancy increases the concentration of C-peptide in women with T1DM, and n-3 PUFA supplements serve as the additional support for a rise in C-peptide levels through its anti-inflammatory action.

• Keywords (english): C-peptide; beta-cell; fetus; hypoglycemia; insulin; n-3 PUFA; placenta; pregnancy; type 1 diabetes mellitus
• Language: english
• Publication type: Scientific paper - Review paper
• Publication status: Published
• Peer review: Peer review
• Publication version: Published version
• Journal title: Pharmaceutics
• Numbering: vol. 13, no. 12, 2082
• e-ISSN: 1999-4923
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics13122082
• URN:NBN: urn:nbn:hr:105:385939
• Publication: 2021-12-04
• Project: Number: IP-2018-01-1284; Title (croatian): Prevencija hipoglikemije u trudnica s dijabetesom tipa 1; Acronym: PRE-HYPO; Leader: Marina Ivanišević; Jurisdiction: Croatia; Funding stream: IP
• Document URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/13/12/2082
• Type of resource: Text
• Access conditions: Open access
• Created on: 2022-01-28 10:08:29