PCOS is a trigger for type 2 diabetes among young women.
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) – present in 5-10% of women of childbearing age – have a startlingly higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, said a leading expert of reproductive health. The risk is present even in young women who are not overweight, a large study of over 6,000 women in Australia has found.
The research, led by Professor Helena Teede and Dr Anju Joham, analysed the study of over 6,000 women aged between 25-28, 500 of whom had been diagnosed with PCOS. Looking at the data collected over a nine year period, the incidence and prevalence of type 2 diabetes was three to five times higher in women with PCOS. Crucially, obesity, a key-trigger for type 2 diabetes was not an important factor for women with PCOS.
Professor Teede said the findings have significant implications for diabetes screening, as well as for the care of women with PCOS. “Type 2 diabetes itself is preventable, as are diabetes complications, but only if people at risk of or who have diabetes are screened, aware and take preventative action,” Professor Teede said.
“With the dramatic rise in diabetes, this research highlights the need for greater awareness and screening, especially in high risk groups including young women with PCOS.”
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a relatively common disorder where the body produces greater amounts of androgenic hormones such as testosterone, resulting in non-harmful cysts forming on the ovaries. These cysts can lead to fertility problems, acne, excess hair on the face and body, weight gain or trouble losing weight, and insulin resistance.
The women studied were aged 25-28 in 2003 and were followed over nine years until age 34 -37 years in 2012. Professor Teede said these are the peak reproductive years when undiagnosed diabetes could have significant risks for mothers and babies.
Despite the research finding a clear link between young women with PCOS and type 2 diabetes, the current screening guidelines don’t take this into account. Many young women with PCOS don’t receive regular diabetes testing, even pre-pregnancy, despite recommendations.
“Currently diabetes screening guidelines (in Australia) recommend screening over 40 years of age. This may need to be reconsidered in women with PCOS. We clearly need more research in PCOS, with better screening, prevention and treatments,” said Professor Teede.
The screening policy for diabetes will vary from country to country. In the UK for example, there is no general screening programme in place for the general population. With this new evidence, guidelines for diabetes screening for women diagnosed with PCOS