Association of copeptin levels in the postpartum period with gestational diabetes.

Objective: To investigate the association of copeptin levels in the postpartum period with previous gestational diabetes mellitus, as well as its cardiometabolic phenotypes and biomarkers.

Methods: In this cross-sectional analysis, women followed at a specialized gestational diabetes mellitus outpatient clinic were studied. Eligibility criteria included age ≥ 18 years and body mass index > 25 kg/m2. Participants were divided into two groups: those with (n = 42) and without gestational diabetes mellitus (n = 43). In the postpartum period (2 to 6 months), between September 2018 and May 2020, blood samples were collected for measurement of copeptin and E-selectin (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), adiponectin, blood glucose, insulin, glycated hemoglobin, lipid profile, thyroid stimulating hormone, and gamma-GT.

Results: Eighty-five women were studied; 42 had previous gestational diabetes mellitus and 43 did not. There were no significant differences in copeptin levels between women with and without previous gestational diabetes mellitus (1.48 ± 0.66 versus 1.49 ± 0.68 pmol/L; p = 0.89). No associations were observed between copeptin levels and the other studied parameters. However, a positive association was found between copeptin and E-selectin levels in both groups (Kruskal-Wallis; p = 0.007).

Conclusion: Circulating copeptin levels were not associated with previous gestational diabetes mellitus or other related phenotypes in the postpartum period. A positive association was observed between copeptin and plasma E-selectin levels in women with and without previous gestational diabetes mellitus, which warrants further investigation.