Carbohydrate metabolism in sickle cell patients using a subdermal implant containing nomegestrol acetate (Uniplant)

Uniplant, a second-generation contraceptive implant, has been demonstrated to promote a significant improvement in the overall well-being of women wit h sickle cell anemia. It has been suggested that the discrete increase in b lood glucose levels observed in Uniplant users could be a contributory fact or for clinical improvement. Ten healthy sickle cell patients were enrolled in the study. An oral glucose tolerance test was performed prior to implan t insertion and at 1, 6, and 12 months of therapy. Blood glucose and insuli n were measured before and at 30, 60, 120, and 180 min after a 75-g glucose load. The glucose and insulin areas under the curves were calculated. Fast ing glycosylated hemoglobin was also measured. No significant changes were observed in glycosylated hemoglobin, glucose or insulin. We conclude that U niplant is a safe contraceptive for sickle cell patients. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.