We previously reported that type 2 diabetes risk, early impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance can be predicted by meaa suring the fasting levels of certain biomarkers. Here we validated these findings in randomly recruited healthy volunteers (n = 101) based on biomarker expression as well as various nonninvasive indices. Weight, body mass index, waist circumference and visceral fat differed between individuals with impaired fasting glucose and/or impaired glucose tolerance, and normal subjects. Fasting plasma levels of glycated hemoglobin, leptin, prooinsulin and retinol binding protein 4 differed between impaired fasting glucose/ impaired glucose tolerance and normal subjects group and between newly detected diabetes and normal subjects group. Insulin resistance was correlated with fasting levels of insulin and leptin/adiponectin (r = 0.913); of insulin, retinol binding protein 4 and leptin/adiponectin (r = 0.903); and of insulin, glycated albumin, and leptin/adiponectin (r = 0.913). Type 2 diabetes risk, early impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance were predicted with >98% specificity and sensitivity by comparing fasting glucose levels to the estimated Matsuda Index based on fasting levels of insulin, adiponectin and leptin with or without oxidative lineolate metabolites. Noninvasive indices are slightly correlated with glucose tolerance and insulin resistance but do not increase the accuracy of predicting type 2 diabetes risk.

The National Diabetes Education Program joins the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (the College) to promote opportunities for obstetrician-gynecologists and other primary care providers to better meet the long-term health needs of women with prior gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and their children. Up to one third of GDM women may have diabetes or pre-diabetes postpartum, yet only about half of these women are tested postpartum, and about a quarter are tested 6 to 12 weeks postpartum. Women with GDM face a lifelong increased risk for subsequent diabetes, primarily type 2. Timely testing for pre-diabetes may provide an opportunity for obstetrician-gynecologists to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes through diet, physical activity, weight management, and/or pharmacological intervention. The College and American Diabetes Association recommend testing women with a history of GDM at six to 12 weeks postpartum. If the postpartum test is normal, retest every three years and at first prenatal visit in a subsequent pregnancy. If pre-diabetes is diagnosed, test annually. Since children of GDM pregnancies face an increased risk for obesity and type 2 diabetes, families need support to develop healthy eating and physical activity behaviors. Current criteria indicate that GDM occurs in 2 to 10 percent of all pregnancies. If new GDM diagnostic criteria are used, the frequency of GDM may increase to about 18 percent of pregnancies annually. The projected increase in the number of women with GDM and the potential subsequent associated risks underscore the need for proactive long-term primary care management of the mother and her offspring.