Serum Protein Binding of Exogenous Insulin in Menstruating and Pregnant Diabetic Patients

Insulin binding by insulin antibodies was determined serially in eight menstruating and in twelve pregnant diabetic subjects. No significant variation was noted in the insulin binding values before, during or after menstruation or during or after pregnancy. This constancy of insulin binding was observed despite major and minor changes in insulin needs. No causal relationship could be demonstrated between insulin binding by insulin antibodies and changing insulin requirements. If there is a relationship between the hormonal changes and the alterations in insulin needs during menstruation and pregnancy, the mechanism of this relationship is not mediated through the insulin binding capacity of circulating insulin antibodies.