Effect of Metformin Using 2-Hour Postload Insulin for Measuring Insulin Resistance in Taiwanese Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

April 2016 in “ Journal of the Formosan Medical Association ”

Horng Yih Ou, Pei Chi Chen, Meng Hsing Wu

metformin insulin resistance body mass index polycystic ovary syndrome 2-hour postload insulin oral glucose tolerance test extended-release metformin BMI PCOS OGTT XR metformin

TLDR Metformin improved insulin resistance and BMI in overweight Taiwanese women with PCOS, and a 2-hour insulin test may be a good screening tool.

The study evaluated the effects of metformin on 114 Taiwanese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), focusing on insulin resistance (IR) and body mass index (BMI). Metformin significantly improved BMI in overweight patients and reduced 2-hour insulin levels, with greater improvement observed in IR patients. Diagnostic measures for IR showed varying sensitivity and specificity, with the 2-hour postload insulin level being proposed as a convenient screening tool. The study also noted that extended-release (XR) metformin may improve treatment adherence. The results suggest that metformin is effective for improving IR and BMI in overweight and IR Taiwanese women with PCOS, and the 2-hour postload insulin level from an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) could be a practical method for IR screening in this population. However, the study had limitations, including the absence of a comparison group, and further research is needed to confirm these findings in different populations and establish a specific cutoff for diagnosing IR in PCOS women.

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Research cited in this study

8 / 8 results

research The Utility of Metformin Therapy in Reproductive-Aged Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

18 citations, March 2014 in “Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology”

Metformin helps regulate menstrual cycles, induce ovulation, and improve pregnancy outcomes in women with PCOS.

research Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

951 citations, December 2013 in “Clinical epidemiology”

PCOS is a common hormonal disorder in women that can be managed with lifestyle changes and various medications.

research Diagnosis and Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline

1265 citations, October 2013 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

The guideline suggests using specific criteria to diagnose PCOS, recommends various treatments for its symptoms, and advises screening for related health issues.

Improved Efficacy of Low-Dose Spironolactone and Metformin Combination Than Either Drug Alone in the Management of Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Six-Month, Open-Label Randomized Study

research Improved Efficacy of Low-Dose Spironolactone and Metformin Combination Than Either Drug Alone in the Management of Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Six-Month, Open-Label Randomized Study

75 citations, July 2013 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

Taking low-dose spironolactone and metformin together works better for PCOS symptoms than either drug alone.

research Prevalence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Women in China: A Large Community-Based Study

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.

research Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Taiwanese Women

3 citations, October 2010 in “Journal of Experimental & Clinical Medicine”

Obesity is a major risk factor for insulin resistance in Taiwanese women with PCOS, which is also an independent risk factor for metabolic syndrome.

Clinical, Metabolic, and Endocrine Parameters in Response to Metformin and Lifestyle Intervention in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind, and Placebo-Controlled Trial

research Clinical, Metabolic, and Endocrine Parameters in Response to Metformin and Lifestyle Intervention in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind, and Placebo-Controlled Trial

60 citations, February 2010 in “Gynecological Endocrinology”

Metformin combined with lifestyle changes improves insulin resistance and reduces testosterone levels in women with PCOS more than lifestyle changes alone.

research Revised 2003 Consensus on Diagnostic Criteria and Long-Term Health Risks Related to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

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.

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Effect of Metformin Using 2-Hour Postload Insulin for Measuring Insulin Resistance in Taiwanese Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

research Effect of Metformin Using 2-Hour Postload Insulin for Measuring Insulin Resistance in Taiwanese Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

6 citations, April 2016 in “Journal of the Formosan Medical Association”

Metformin improved insulin resistance and BMI in overweight Taiwanese women with PCOS, and a 2-hour insulin test may be a good screening tool.