AIM:To study the association of serum insulin-like growth factor-I(IGF-I) with diabetic retinopathy.· METHODS:Serum IGF-1 levels were measured in 25 pregnant diabetic patients and 25 pregnant non-diabetic patients who were matched for age,ethnicity,parity and period of gestation.Fundus examination was performed in both groups at 28,32 and 36 weeks of gestation.RESULTS:The serum IGF-I level was significantly elevated in pregnant diabetics compared to pregnant non-diabetics(366±199μg/L vs 184±89μg/L,(P=0.0001) at 24 weeks,535±251μg/L vs 356±89μg/L,(P=0.007) at 32 weeks and 404±166μg/L vs 264±113μg/L,(P=0.003) at 36 weeks of gestation).The pregnant diabetics with established diabetes had significantly higher IGF-1 level than gestational diabetes at 28,32 and 36 weeks of gestation.The serum IGF-I level in pregnant diabetics with retinopathy was significantly higher than in those without retinopathy at all periods of gestation.· CONCLUSION:Increased serum IGF-1 in pregnancy may increase the risks for retinopathy.