Living with PCOS is challenging enough. The looming risk of other chronic diseases adds to the stress. That’s right, you may have heard that once PCOS comes into your life, it is almost inevitable that Type 2 Diabetes will. What is this connection between PCOS and Diabetes? Can Diabetes be prevented if you have PCOS? Let’s find out.
What is PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder commonly seen in women of reproductive age. In PCOS, the ovaries produce more than the normal amount of male hormones called androgens, which are produced in women but in smaller amounts.
The increased androgen levels cause problems with ovulation, irregular menstrual cycles, and other symptoms of PCOS.
Reseach hasn’t yet clearly established what causes PCOS. However, insulin resistance and high blood insulin levels (hyperinsulinemia) are considered to be contributory factors.
What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 Diabetes is a chronic disease where your blood sugar levels are high. Your cells develop resistance to insulin (a hormone that regulates the amount of glucose in your bloodstream) and your pancreas fails to produce enough insulin to regulate the increased blood glucose levels.
Does PCOS Cause Diabetes?
Individuals with PCOS develop insulin resistance. When your body becomes resistant to insulin, your cells lose the ability to take up glucose (sugar) from your food, which causes increased blood sugar levels. This causes the pancreas to produce more insulin to stabilise the blood sugar levels. The high insulin levels in your blood lead to increased production of androgens in the body.
Studies suggest that when your body develops insulin resistance in PCOS, it leads to elevated blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia), which, over time, may lead to prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes.
Thus, insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia, seen in PCOS, are also responsible for the potential development of Type 2 Diabetes.
Apart from this, obesity and family history, which are risk factors for developing PCOS, are considered to be risk factors for the development of Type 2 Diabetes as well.
PCOS and Diabetes Symptoms
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) and diabetes share a close connection, primarily due to their link with insulin resistance. Women with PCOS are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Understanding the overlapping symptoms of these conditions can help with early diagnosis and effective management.
Common Symptoms of PCOS:
- Irregular Periods: PCOS often causes infrequent or prolonged menstrual cycles.
- Excess Hair Growth: Known as hirsutism, this symptom appears due to elevated androgen levels.
- Acne and Oily Skin: Hormonal imbalances can lead to persistent acne.
- Weight Gain: Many women with PCOS experience difficulty managing weight.
- Thinning Hair: Hair loss or thinning, particularly on the scalp, is another symptom.
Common Symptoms of Diabetes:
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Common Symptoms of Diabetes:
- Fatigue: Persistent tiredness due to high or fluctuating blood sugar levels.
- Constant Hunger (Polyphagia): Feeling excessively hungry even after eating.
- Excessive Thirst (Polydipsia): A frequent need to drink water due to high blood sugar.
- Frequent Urination (Polyuria): Increased urination as the body tries to expel excess glucose.
- Unintended Weight Loss: Losing weight without trying, often due to the body breaking down fat and muscle for energy.
- Changes in Vision: Blurred or fluctuating vision caused by high blood sugar levels.
- Frequent Infections: Recurring infections, such as urinary tract or yeast infections.
- Slow Healing Sores: Cuts or wounds that take longer to heal.
- Tingling or Numbness in Hands or Feet: A symptom of nerve damage caused by prolonged high blood sugar.
- Areas of Darkened Skin: Patches of darkened skin, often in the neck, armpits, or groin, indicating insulin resistance (acanthosis nigricans).
Overlapping Symptoms of PCOS and Diabetes:
- Weight Gain: Both conditions are closely linked to obesity, which worsens symptoms.
- Insulin Resistance: A key factor in both PCOS and type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance causes blood sugar levels to rise.
- Fatigue: Hormonal imbalances and high blood sugar levels contribute to low energy.
- Skin Darkening: Acanthosis nigricans, or dark patches of skin, can occur in areas like the neck and armpits, often linked to insulin resistance.
Importance of Early Diagnosis:
If you notice any of these symptoms, consult a healthcare provider. Early diagnosis and management of PCOS and diabetes can prevent long-term complications, such as heart disease, infertility, and metabolic disorders.
Tips for Managing PCOS and Diabetes:
- Adopt a Balanced Diet: Focus on low-GI foods, high in fiber and nutrients.
- Exercise Regularly: Physical activity improves insulin sensitivity and hormone balance.
- Monitor Blood Sugar Levels: Regular monitoring helps keep diabetes in check.
- Seek Medical Advice: Work with your doctor to develop a tailored treatment plan.
How Common is Diabetes in PCOS Patients?
Research suggests that around 50% of women with PCOS develop diabetes by the time they are 40 years of age. PCOS patients also tend to get diabetes at a younger age than women who do not have the condition.
It should be noted that those with PCOS are also at a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes. Thus, women with PCOS should get screened for diabetes regularly.
How to Prevent Diabetes in PCOS?
You may be able to prevent Type 2 Diabetes even if you have PCOS. By adopting a healthy lifestyle for PCOS, which includes measures such as eating healthy, staying physically active, and getting regular health check-ups, you can reduce your weight and lower your blood glucose levels. This can reduce your risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.
How to Reverse Insulin Resistance in PCOS?
There are several small steps that you can take to reverse insulin resistance and prevent or delay Type 2 Diabetes. These steps include:
1. Healthy Diet
A healthy balanced PCOS diet can help you control your blood sugar levels and prevent the development of Type 2 Diabetes. You can include more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and low-fat dairy in your meals. Also, try to have smaller portions of food multiple times a day.
2. Weight Management
Maintaining a healthy weight is necessary to control your blood sugar levels and the symptoms of PCOS. If you are overweight, even a minor reduction in your body weight can lead to a considerable change in your blood sugar levels. Having a healthy diet plan and staying active can help you manage your weight.
3. Regular Exercise
Make sure to stay physically active and exercise regularly. Other than maintaining a healthy weight, exercise also helps you control your blood sugar levels. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise at least 5 days a week. You can include aerobic exercises such as running or biking and low-impact exercises such as yoga or pilates in your workout plan.
4. Regular Blood Sugar Monitoring
Monitoring your blood sugar levels regularly can help you detect any changes in your blood sugar and take action early. This can be helpful, especially if you are at risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. Managing your blood sugar levels will in turn help you manage the symptoms of PCOS and prevent Type 2 Diabetes.
When to See a Doctor?
If you have irregular monthly periods or any other symptom of PCOS contact a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis and begin treatment. If a diagnosis of PCOS is confirmed, you should discuss with the doctor about getting tested for Type 2 Diabetes and how to manage the condition if you have it.
Don’t Have Time To Read?
- PCOS is a hormonal imbalance resulting mainly from insulin resistance and higher androgen levels in your body. PCOS symptoms include a disturbance in your menstrual cycle, weight gain, acne, unwanted hair growth, etc.
- The insulin resistance caused by PCOS increases the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes in women with PCOS. Around 50% of women with PCOS develop diabetes by the time they reach 40 years of age.
- Type 2 Diabetes is a chronic disease where your blood sugar levels are consistently high. Your cells develop resistance to insulin and your pancreas fails to produce enough insulin to regulate the increased blood glucose levels.
- Early signs of Type 2 Diabetes to watch out for include fatigue, frequent urination, excess thirst or hunger, weight loss, numbness in limbs, blurred vision, delay in the wound healing process, etc.
- You can prevent or delay Type 2 diabetes even if you have PCOS, by adopting healthy lifestyle measures such as eating healthy, staying active, maintaining an ideal weight, regular health check-ups and monitoring your blood sugar levels. These steps can help you reverse insulin resistance in PCOS.
