Glucose homeostasis during gestation: just a question of insulin?

Pregnancy is a physiological state of insulin resistance. This requires a high degree of metabolic adaptation compared to the state before conception. A disruption in this process can lead to gestational diabetes. This is a complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors. If medication is required, insulin is the first choice. However, there are disadvantages to this treatment strategy. In addition to the risk of hypoglycemia, these include poor adherence to treatment and high costs, especially in developing and emerging countries. This presentation will provide an overview of the latest developments in this field. In addition, data from experimental research showing alternative targets in mouse models will be presented. As an example, the importance of the hormones estradiol and serotonin and their role in the regulation of glucose homeostasis during gestation will be discussed.