TLDR Women with PCOS have more insulin resistance and are more likely to have heart-related health issues, with insulin resistance being a bigger factor than β-cell problems.
The study, conducted on 824 women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and 2715 non-PCOS women in China, investigated the effects of insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction on cardio-metabolic disorders in PCOS patients. It found that PCOS women had higher insulin resistance and β-cell function indices, as well as a higher prevalence of obesity, central obesity, and dyslipidemia compared to non-PCOS women. Insulin resistance was more strongly associated with these cardio-metabolic abnormalities than β-cell dysfunction. The study concluded that insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction independently contribute to cardio-metabolic abnormalities in women with PCOS, with insulin resistance having a more significant impact. It also highlighted the importance of early screening for insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction in PCOS patients to prevent complications.
767 citations,
September 2016 in “Human Reproduction” Polycystic ovary syndrome affects about 6-10% of women, with varying symptoms and the need for standardized global definitions.
271 citations,
June 2013 in “Human Reproduction” PCOS is common among Chinese women of reproductive age and linked to serious metabolic and reproductive issues, especially in obese women.
4025 citations,
December 2003 in “Human Reproduction” The 2003 consensus updated PCOS diagnosis criteria and linked PCOS to higher risks of diabetes and heart problems, recommending lifestyle changes to lower these risks.
36 citations,
October 2021 in “Frontiers in Endocrinology” Insulin resistance and high male hormone levels are major causes of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
6 citations,
September 2023 in “International journal of molecular sciences” Oxidative stress worsens PCOS by damaging cells and disrupting metabolism, suggesting antioxidant treatments might help.
1 citations,
May 2023 in “Cell reports medicine” Sons of mothers with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have a higher risk of obesity and insulin resistance, possibly due to certain genes and factors passed down from their mothers.
November 2022 in “International Journal of General Medicine” Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome are more likely to have Non-Alcoholic Fatty Pancreas Disease, which is associated with older age, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and high male hormone levels.
2 citations,
May 2023 in “Current Nutrition Reports” Eating a Mediterranean diet and taking certain supplements may improve symptoms of PCOS.
