INS and gestational diabetes: Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), a growth factor produced by liver and placental tissues that promotes cell survival and tissue regeneration, has been implicated in mouse models of gestational diabetes.11,14 Pregnant mice lacking the HGF receptor, known as c-Met, demonstrate higher blood glucose values and lower plasma insulin levels.11 Additionally, circulating levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), have been found to be higher in women with GDM.15–17