When your doctor tells you that you have PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), you may have a lot of questions running through your mind. You may already be struggling with things like irregular periods, weight gain, and perhaps even difficulty conceiving. With all of this, it's important to be aware of another major health risk that comes with PCOS. That is the risk of developing diabetes. Don't worry, let's talk about this simply.
What is the relationship between PCOS and diabetes?
PCOS and Type 2 Diabetes are both linked. Although researchers are not 100% sure how this connection occurs, they have identified several key factors that contribute to this.
Scientists believe that many factors, including genes, can affect this. Some of the factors that contribute to the development of PCOS also contribute to the development of diabetes. Think of it like these two are like relatives in the same family.
| Main risk factors | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Weight gain | It's not yet clear whether PCOS causes weight gain, or whether weight gain causes PCOS. But there is a strong link between the two. As weight gain increases, the risk of diabetes also increases. |
| Family history of disease | If your mother or sister has PCOS or type 2 diabetes, you are more likely to develop PCOS. This may be hereditary. |
| Insulin Resistance | This is the most important thing. Simply put, your body's cells don't respond properly to the hormone insulin. This makes it difficult for your body to control blood sugar levels. Many women with PCOS have this condition. |
Importantly, nearly half of women with PCOS are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes by the age of 40. They also tend to develop diabetes at a younger age than other women.
Can I reduce this risk of diabetes?
Yes, you definitely can! This is the best news for you. Having PCOS does not mean you will definitely develop diabetes. There are many things you can do to reduce your risk.
Research has found that the strongest factor that determines whether a woman with PCOS will develop diabetes is her body mass index, or BMI .
- Weight Management: Losing as little as 5% of your total weight can make a big, positive difference to your health. It can reduce insulin resistance and significantly lower your risk of diabetes.
- Exercise: Exercise is another powerful weapon you have against diabetes. Make it a habit to walk, run, or bike every day. This not only helps control your weight, but also increases your body's sensitivity to insulin.
Should I get tested for diabetes?
Yes. If you have PCOS, your doctor will monitor you for early signs of diabetes. It's important to check your weight and blood sugar levels regularly.
It's also important to be aware of the common symptoms of diabetes. See if you have these symptoms too.
| Common symptoms of diabetes | |
|---|---|
| Feeling more thirsty than usual | Feeling extremely tired even though you haven't done much work |
| Blurred vision | Frequent need to urinate |
| Feeling hungrier than usual | Numbness or pain in the hands and feet |
| Longer healing time for body injuries | |
If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor immediately and talk about it.
Can medication help?
Yes. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe a medication called metformin . This is actually a common medication for diabetes. But some doctors also use it to treat PCOS.
Metformin causes:
- Helping your body use insulin properly.
- Lowering blood sugar levels.
- It helps you lose weight.
- It also helps control PCOS symptoms like irregular ovulation.
But this is very important: Only your doctor can decide if this medicine is right for you and how much to take. Never take medicine based on your own feelings or what someone else tells you.
Let's learn about other types of diabetes
In addition to the two types of diabetes we have talked about so far (Type 2 Diabetes), there are other types of diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes
This is when the body stops producing insulin. This condition is usually diagnosed at a young age, that is, in childhood or adolescence. Here, the relationship with PCOS is a little different. That is, a woman with type 1 diabetes is at a higher risk of developing PCOS. Therefore, if you have type 1 diabetes, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor about the symptoms of PCOS and be aware of them.
Gestational Diabetes
This is a temporary form of diabetes that only occurs during pregnancy. Women with PCOS are at higher risk. This can have some effects on your health and that of your baby. Also, this condition increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in you and your baby later on. But don't worry, if you have PCOS, your doctor will be very careful about this when you get pregnant, and will check you regularly and give you the necessary advice.
Take-Home Message
- Having PCOS increases the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. The main cause of this is insulin resistance.
- Lifestyle changes can greatly reduce this risk. In particular, controlling body weight and getting regular exercise are very important.
- If you have PCOS, get regular medical checkups for diabetes. Also, be aware of the symptoms of diabetes.
- Only your doctor should decide whether or not to use medications like Metformin.
- Be aware of gestational diabetes, which can occur during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about all of this openly.
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