Vol.:(0123456789) 1 3 Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics (2020) 301:559–564 https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-019-05407-2 GENERAL GYNECOLOGY Beta‑cell dysfunction and abnormal glucose metabolism among non‑diabetic women with recurrent miscarriages Adikpe Emmanuel Edugbe 1  · Bitrus James 1  · Uche Augustine Akunaeziri 2  · Christopher Orokpo Egbodo 3  · Chidiebere Lucius Imoh 4  · Anzaku Stephen Ajen 1  · Onyeji John 1  · Mikah Samaila 1 Received: 28 July 2019 / Accepted: 2 December 2019 / Published online: 10 December 2019 © Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2019 Abstract Background Subclinical beta-cell (β-cell) dysfunction is an endocrine abnormality and its association with recurrent miscar- riages (RM) has not been extensively studied. Objective This study aimed to determine the prevalence of β-cell dysfunction and abnormal glucose metabolism [fasting blood glucose (FBG) ≥ 5.1 mmol/L] among non-diabetic women with recurrent miscarriages and to establish if there was an association between RM and β-cell dysfunction and FBG ≥ 5.1 mmol/L. Methodology This was a cross-sectional study involving 80 women with miscarriages at ≤ 13 weeks gestation and 80 women with normal pregnancies at ≤ 13 weeks of gestation with at least one successful live-birth and no history of miscarriage (comparison group). Interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain relevant information. From each participant, FBG and fasting insulin were assayed. β-Cell function was computed. The data obtained was analysed using IBM-SPSS version 22.0. Results A signifcantly higher prevalence of β-cell dysfunction and abnormal glucose metabolism were observed among non-diabetic women with RM compared to age-matched controls (38.8% vs 10.0%, P < 0.001) and (27.5% vs 6.3%, P = 0.005) respectively. The mean β-cell function of the cases was 59.0% of the controls (264.41 ± 105.13 vs 447.82 ± 181.24, P < 0.001). Mean FBG was signifcantly higher in the case-group compared to the controls (4.77 ± 1.14 mmol/L vs 3.58 ± 0.78 mmol/L, P < 0.001). There was a signifcant association between RM and FBG ≥ 5.1 mmol/L and low β-cell function (P < 0.001). Conclusion This study suggests that women with recurrent miscarriages are more likely to have impaired β-cell function and abnormal glucose metabolism (FBG ≥ 5.1 mmol/L). Keywords β-Cell dysfunction · Abnormal glucose metabolism · Recurrent miscarriages Introduction There is a complex relationship between beta-cell (β-cell) dysfunction and insulin insensitivity. In the presence of β-cell dysfunction, insulin secretion is impaired. Insulin insensitivity on the other hand implies that there is secre- tion of insulin but there is insulin resistance in target tissues [1]. Beta-cell dysfunction is a more severe abnormality than insulin resistance [1]. β-Cell dysfunction results from insuf- fcient glucose sensing to stimulate insulin secretion leading to sustained elevated glucose concentrations. Sustained ele- vated glucose concentrations above the physiological range result in the manifestation of hyperglycaemia. In insulin- resistant state, insulin signalling within glucose recipient tissues is defective therefore hyperglycaemia persists. Both pathological states induce hyperglycaemia and therefore * Adikpe Emmanuel Edugbe tufngers272@gmail.com 1 Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bingham University, Jos Campus, PMB 2238, Jos, Nigeria 2 Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Federal Medical Centre, Kef, Nasarawa State, Nigeria 3 Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria 4 Department of Chemical Pathology, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria Content courtesy of Springer Nature, terms of use apply. Rights reserved.