Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and insulin resistance

Objectives: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) presents a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus. We studied a group of women with PCOS and evaluated this defect in insulin action. Methods: The study population consisted of nine PCOS women, six obese type 2 diabetic patients, and five controls whose body mass index (BMI) was similar to that of the nine PCOS women. The 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and the hyperinsulinemic euglycemic glucose clamp test were performed. Clinical characteristics and the metabolic profiles, including the insulin sensitivity index (ISI), were compared. Results: PCOS women showed significantly elevated insulin responses during OGTT, but their blood glucose levels were comparable with the controls. The subjects with PCOS had more insulin resistance than the other groups. There was no difference among the groups in terms of clinical characteristics and metabolic profiles, except age, luteinzing hormone (LH), testosterone, and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). Conclusion: We conclude that PCOS women have significant insulin resistance which is independent of adiposity.