Lipoprotein(a) is not related to markers of insulin resistance in pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Dyslipidemia, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease is a common finding in patients with type 2 diabetes and among women with gestational diabetes. Elevated levels of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] are linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease. However, its relationship with insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes is controversial and unproven. Here we aimed to clarify whether Lp(a) levels are associated with insulin sensitivity in pregnancy. METHODS: Sixty-four women with gestational diabetes and 165 with normal glucose tolerance were enrolled in the study. Fasting Lp(a) serum levels were measured in all women at 24-28 weeks of gestation. RESULTS: In pregnancy, there was no significant difference in serum Lp(a) concentrations between the two groups. Its level did not correlate with markers of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), insulin sensitivity (HOMA-S%), pancreatic beta-cell function (HOMA-B%) and insulin sensitivity in dynamic conditions (OGIS). In addition, fasting glucose and insulin levels and those throughout an oral glucose tolerance test were independent of Lp(a) concentrations in our study group. CONCLUSIONS: Lp(a) levels in pregnant women do not differ with respect to the presence or absence of gestational diabetes. Although influenced by some components of the lipid profile, such as triglycerides and HDL-C, insulin resistance in pregnancy is not affected by Lp(a).

Effects of gender-affirming hormone therapy on cardiovascular risk factors focusing on glucose metabolism in an Austrian transgender cohort.

Objective: We aimed to investigate the effect of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) on cardiovascular disease risk factors focusing on glucose tolerance. Patients and Methods: This primarily translational study enrolled 16 transgender persons assigned female at birth (AFAB), 22 assigned male at birth (AMAB), and 33 age- and BMI-matched cisgender controls at the Medical University of Vienna from 2013 to 2020. A 3-Tesla MRI scan to measure intramyocardial, pancreatic, hepatic fat content and subcutaneous-to-visceral adipose tissue ratio (SAT/VAT-ratio), an oral glucose tolerance test (oGTT), bloodwork including brain natriuretic peptide (pro-BNP), sex hormones and two glucose-metabolism related biomarkers (adiponectin, betatrophin) were performed. Results: Estrogen intake was associated with higher fasting insulin (p = 0.034) and Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) (p = 0.037), however, lower HbA1c levels (p = 0.031) in AMAB than cisgender males. Adiponectin (p = 0.001) and betatrophin (p = 0.034) levels were higher in AMAB than cisgender males, but similar to cisgender females. Compared to cisgender females, AFAB displayed no differences in glucose metabolism or SAT/VAT-ratio. AFAB had lower pro-BNP levels (p = 0.014), higher liver enzymes (AST: p = 0.011; ALT: p = 0.012) and lower HDL levels (p = 0.017) than cisgender females, but comparable levels to cisgender males. AMAB showed an increased heart rate (p < 0.001) and pro-BNP (p = 0.002) levels, but a more favorable SAT/VAT-ratio (p = 0.013) and lower creatine kinase (CK) (p = 0.001) than cisgender males. There were no relevant differences in organ fat content between transgender persons and their respective cisgender controls. Conclusion: In AMAB, most investigated parameters adapted to levels seen in cisgender females except for parameters related to fasted insulin resistance. AMAB should be monitored with respect to the development of insulin resistance.

Potential of a Sports Club-Based Exercise Program for Improving Physical Activity in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Although the infrastructure of Austrians' sports clubs is well developed, exercise classes for people suffering from type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) do not exist. This feasibility study evaluates factors for participating in target group specific exercise courses (TGSEC) and changes in physical activity. METHODS: This intervention study was performed in 22 communities of Austria. Initial TGSEC were offered to T2DM patients over 2 months. Participants were surveyed at 4 time points with a questionnaire: before the program, 2, 6 and 12 months after the initial questionnaire. RESULTS: 881 patients aged 59.0 (SD: 9.6) years took part in TGSEC. At baseline a lack of suitable exercise groups prevented 51% from being active. 58% were encouraged by the medical sector. After 12 months the weekly time spent on exercise training was increased from 1.40 (SD: 2.55) hours to 2.15 (SD: 3.00) hours (P < .001). The dropout rate during the first 2 months was 12.9%. The rate of return for the 12 months questionnaire was 42%. CONCLUSION: TGSEC provided by sports clubs attract people suffering from T2DM and effectively enhance physical activity.