What’s The Connection Between Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) And Diabetes?

What Is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?

In PCOS, a woman’s ovaries are affected, causing a high and abnormal number of cysts to accumulate on the surface of the ovaries. The cysts are primarily follicles that contain undeveloped eggs. PCOS is a condition that many a time results in an irregular release of ova or eggs. PCOS, in some women, may prevent the release of eggs totally. Another common phenomenon when it comes to PCOS is possessing an abnormal level of male hormones. The activity of these hormones, too, may be abnormal. PCOS can be successfully treated, and living a healthy lifestyle is central to this. [1]

Click to learn how exercise can improve your PCOS management

Symptoms Of PCOS

When it comes to PCOS, symptoms may include one or more of those mentioned below:

• Irregular menstrual cycle
• Problems with fertility
• Weight gain
• Excessive hair growth (Hirsutism)
• Loss of hair or hair thinning
• Acne [1]

Occurrence Of PCOS

According to “Diabetes UK,” PCOS is a common medical condition affecting nearly 1 in every 5 women at some point during their lives. [1]

Causes Of PCOS

Learn more about how exercising and physical activities can impact PCOS management by clicking here

The two most common factors that can lead to PCOS are weight gain and insulin resistance. Typically, the latter causes your body to produce more insulin than normally needed, which is called hyperinsulinemia. A high level of insulin can then result in ovaries producing excessive testosterone, which can hamper normal and regular ovulation. Increased insulin levels also have the ability to cause weight gain, which is characteristic in the development of both type 2 diabetes as well as PCOS. Despite being categorised as a male hormone, testosterone is produced in low quantities by all women. [1]

Link Between PCOS And Diabetes

PCOS is a medical condition that can hamper a woman’s ability to produce ova or eggs. PCOS is directly linked with abnormally high levels of circulating insulin, which is common in type 2 diabetes. According to a UK study conducted in 2012, women with PCOS had a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes. [1]

It has long been suspected that there is a clear link between PCOS and type 2 diabetes. What’s more, experts believe that both these conditions are related. [2]

PCOS is known to disrupt the endocrine system of women and increase the level of androgen, which is known as the male hormone. In addition, insulin resistance plays a specific role in causing PCOS. [2]

How Is PCOS Related To Diabetes?

According to some theories, insulin resistance can result in an adverse reaction that involves the endocrine system of women, bringing about type 2 diabetes. [2]

Type 2 diabetes is developed when the cells of your body become resistant to the hormone, insulin or when an abnormal amount of insulin is produced, or both. Although type 2 diabetes can be prevented or managed through proper diet and physical exercise, research indicates that PCOS is a strong and independent risk factor for the development of diabetes. [2]

It is also known that women who develop PCOS as young adults are at a higher risk for diabetes and cardiovascular problems, later in life. [2]

Management

Regular physical exercise and activity are crucial in maintaining good health, especially when it comes to combating obesity and preventing type 2 diabetes. Exercise is also known to alleviate symptoms that are associated with PCOS. [2]

Exercise also helps your body to burn off excessive blood sugar. Because exercise helps in regulating weight, the cells in your body develop greater sensitivity to insulin. This allows your body to use insulin in a more effective manner, benefitting women with both diabetes as well as PCOS. [2]

That said, specific treatments for diabetes and PCOS may offset or complement one another. For instance, women with PCOS are sometimes prescribed birth control pills. These pills help in regulating menstruation. However, certain birth control pills may cause a spike in blood sugar levels, which increases the risk of diabetes. [2]

The Final Word

If you have diabetes or PCOS, consult a doctor about which specific treatment will be suited aptly to your body condition. Lifestyle changes and certain medications can go a long way in managing your health. [2]

References Link:

1. https://www.diabetes.co.uk/conditions/polycystic-ovary-syndrome.html
2. https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes/are-pcos-and-diabetes-connected