Adiponectin does not improve the prediction of insulin need in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus

•Adiponectin has association with insulin resistance and sensitivity and the development of type 2 diabetes. During pregnancy, adiponectin levels are decreased in the third trimester, coinciding with the greatest peripheral insulin resistance period. Some authors have been demonstrated the association between lower levels of adiponectin in pregnancy and the development of gestational diabetes mellitus. However, at the time this study was designed, no studies tested the hypothesis that decreased levels of adiponectin could help predict insulin need in pregnant women with gestational diabetes.•However, we found that the assessment of adiponectin after the diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus is not a predictor of insulin need for glycemic control during pregnancy.•The development of prediction tools to assess the insulin need during pregnancy for those with GDM is challenging. However, especially in situations with limited resources, it is crucial to provide risk stratification and redirect health expenses, making access to the tertiary health service possible to those who need most.