{"id":10338,"date":"2023-10-18T14:08:14","date_gmt":"2023-10-18T08:38:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lalpathlabs.com\/blog\/?p=10338"},"modified":"2025-12-23T14:43:35","modified_gmt":"2025-12-23T09:13:35","slug":"pcos-diabetes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lalpathlabs.com\/blog\/pcos-diabetes\/","title":{"rendered":"Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Diabetes"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"PCOS<\/span><\/p>\n

PCOS, or polycystic ovarian syndrome<\/span>\u00a0is characterised by irregular periods, excessive androgen (a male hormone) levels, and multiple cysts in the ovaries. Diabetes, on the other hand, is a well-known metabolic disorder that affects a person’s body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While they might seem like separate conditions, a strong connection exists between <\/span>PCOS and diabetes, mainly through a shared factor called insulin resistance. Continue reading to learn more.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Insulin and insulin resistance<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The pancreas produces a hormone called insulin, whose main function is to regulate your blood sugar levels. When you eat, your body breaks down carbohydrates from food into glucose. It’s a type of sugar that serves as a primary energy source for your cells. They use glucose for energy to power your body’s functions. The glucose is then released into your bloodstream.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Insulin resistance occurs when cells become less responsive to the insulin produced by the body. This rise in insulin levels leads to high blood sugar levels. This, in turn, puts you at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The link between PCOS and diabetes<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Women with PCOS are more likely to develop insulin resistance. <\/span>The excess insulin produced to compensate for insulin resistance stimulates the ovaries to produce more androgens, leading to hormonal imbalances and PCOS symptoms.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Furthermore, <\/span>insulin resistance in PCOS is a key factor contributing to weight gain and obesity, both of which are huge risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes. According to a <\/span>study<\/span>, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes is linked to body fat levels.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, PCOS is not solely linked with type 2 diabetes. Other types of diabetes affect and are affected by PCOS as well.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Relationship between PCOS and diabetes (type1 and gestational diabetes)<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The relationship between <\/span>PCOS and diabetes is intricate, as PCOS can be both affected by and impact different types of diabetes.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

PCOS and type 1 diabetes<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

An autoimmune reaction causes type 1 diabetes, where the immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. People with Type 1 diabetes are more likely to develop PCOS.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Research<\/span> suggests that people with ovaries and Type 1 diabetes should be screened for PCOS and androgen excess due to the increased risk of developing PCOS and related traits.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

PCOS and gestational diabetes<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pregnant women who did not have diabetes before may have gestational diabetes. Although it typically resolves after pregnancy, it can increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes later in life.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As per a <\/span>case study<\/span> published in 2020, PCOS raises the risk of gestational diabetes.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Symptoms of insulin resistance in PCOS<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are some of the <\/span>insulin resistance PCOS symptoms<\/span><\/b>:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n