Determining the content of antioxidants present in the diet of pregnant women with or without a diagnosis of gestational diabetes

Abstract

Gestational diabetes (GD) is a condition defined as carbohydrate intolerance and hyperglycemia, beginning in the second trimester of pregnancy, which suggests the inability of ² cells to respond to increased insulin demand. Results of our group have shown that progesterone (PG), a hormone whose concentration increases considerably during pregnancy, is related to death of pancreatic ² cells, which could contribute to the development of GD. Nevertheless, the mechanism involved in the progesterone-induced cell death is not yet completely understood. Since progesterone has been implicated in the death of some cell types by a mechanism dependent on the redox state of cells, we are interested in investigating if there is a relationship between the intake of dietaryantioxidants, which is related to the antioxidant state of the individual, and the development of GD. In this context, this project open the perspective for a better understanding of the GD physiopathology, which can result in actions, involving the manipulation of diet, for the controlling and preventing of this condition.