Prevalence and predictors of risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance in polycystic ovary syndrome

Objective: To determine the prevalence of glucose intolerance and parameters associated with risk in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients.Design: case control studySetting: Al-batool Maternity Teaching Hospital, infertility center.Materials and methods: From October 2001 to October 2002, one hundred women with, aged 18-44years met conventional clinical criteria for PCOS, and had ovarian sources of androgen excess, were compared with 60 control women of similar weight and age. Anthropometric measurement the weight, height, and waist: hip measurements and body mass index (BMI) were assessed; two groups were identified, over weight BMI 25 kg/m² and obese asBMI 30kg/m². Fasting serum glucose (FSG), Oral glucose tolerance (OGT) and serum fasting testosterone weredone. Patients were divided into three groups: (non diabetics, diabetics and impaired glucose tolerance).Results: the prevalence of glucose intolerance was significantly higher in PCOS than the controlled group, the risk of glucose intolerance and diabetes was increased with the age, obesity, and the first degree relatives.Conclusions: PCOS women are at significantly increased risk for impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes mellitus at all weight and at young age.