PCOS and diabetes: is there a link?

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and diabetes are common medical conditions that involve disruptions in normal hormone function. About 1 in 10 women of reproductive age have PCOS, and roughly  4% of their peers have diabetes.  

Learn more about the link between PCOS and diabetes in this article. 

What is PCOS? 

PCOS happens when the ovaries make too much of certain hormones called androgens. Though men produce larger amounts of androgens, it’s natural for women’s bodies to make them too. Women of childbearing age, those with a close female relative with PCOS, and women living in larger bodies are more prone to PCOS. 

Some women may experience physical changes such as hair loss or unwanted facial and body hair. Irregular or absent menstrual cycles are also signs of  PCOS that can lead to infertility; however, this is treatable.

PCOS also affects another hormone, insulin, which impacts how well the body breaks down carbohydrates into sugars and clears these sugars from the bloodstream. When the blood sugar levels stay high, it can also signal diabetes. So, what’s the link between PCOS and diabetes?

People with PCOS are more likely to develop diabetes

Compared to peers without PCOS, people with PCOS are four times more likely to get diabetes, according to research. While PCOS doesn’t directly cause diabetes, it puts women at greater risk of developing it. In fact, by age 40, more than half of women with PCOS  will receive a  diabetes diagnosis.

Why are women with PCOS at greater risk for diabetes? There may be several factors, and insulin resistance may be the most significant.

• Insulin resistance is a condition where insulin functions poorly and cannot help regulate blood sugar levels after meals.  
• A person with PCOS is prone to resist insulin, a risk factor for prediabetes an type 2 diabetes. After the body turns carbohydrates to sugars for energy, insulin can’t clear them from the bloodstream effectively.  

How to treat PCOS and diabetes

1. If you have PCOS, diabetes, or both, your medical provider may prescribe a medication called  Metformin to help you manage your insulin resistance.
2. Engaging in exercise helps make your body more sensitive to insulin, increasing your chances for healthy blood sugar levels. Focus on one type of exercise you like to do, such as swimming, walking, dancing, or biking. Enjoyable physical activities make it easier to be consistent.  
3. Include more healthy foods for diabetes into your eating routine to lower your intake of heavily processed, high fat, and high sugar foods:

• Beans and lentils
• Healthy fats: plant oils, nuts, seeds
• Fiber-filled fruits: berries, avocados, apples
• Cruciferous vegetables: cauliflower, brussels sprouts, broccoli
• Whole grains: brown rice, quinoa, oats
• Lean protein: fish, chicken, low-fat dairy

Do you have concerns about managing PCOS and diabetes?

At 9amHealth, we want you to live your life the healthiest you can. If you are looking for support and guidance on how to take care of your body with diabetes and PCOS, we can help. We provide care for both  prediabetes and diabetes  in people living with PCOS. We’ll create a personalized care plan based on what works for you—and take every new day as it comes together. Answer a few questions and to see if you qualify.