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pubmed:otherAbstract |
PIP: The use of oral contraceptive appears to be associated with alterations in glucose tolerance and slight increases of plasma free fatty acids and triglycerides. In this study, the glucose disappearance constant and the plasma levels of nonesterified fatty acids were studied in 63 women, carefully selected with respect to age (20-30 years), parity (less than 4), normal body weight for height and age, absence of obstetric or family precedents suggesting diabetes mellitus, and absence of other pathological conditions. The oral contraceptive (Norlestrin, Parke Davis) was administered during 1 year, starting between the 7th and 9th week of puerperium. Clinical and laboratory tests were performed before the administration of the drug, and after 3, 6, and 12 months. The number of patients was reduced to 36 at the 1st control, 30 at the 2nd, and 24 at the 3rd. A progressive deterioration of the glucose disappearance constant was observed, with significant differences (p less than .001) between the values before and 12 months after treatment. Diabetic-level values were absent. The plasma nonesterified fatty acids showed a progressive and significant increase, interrupted only during the glucose tolerance tests. There was an average increase in body weight of 4 kg at the 1st control, followed by normalization at the 12th month of treatment. The study discusses the possible causes of such alterations, emphasizing the role of many functi ons that maintain metabolic homeostasis.
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