PCOS And Diabetes Understanding The Link Between 2

When it comes to female infertility, PCOS is one of the most common reasons. This chronic condition persists well beyond the childbearing years. Not only does PCOS cause fertility problems, but it also causes major metabolic issues.   PCOS disrupts a woman's endocrine system, which leads to an increase in the levels of androgen, the male hormone. Medical experts are still unsure of what causes PCOS. However, studies show that PCOS increases a woman's risk of developing type 2 diabetes, which alters the body's ability to regulate blood sugar. 

How are PCOS and Diabetes connected?

It should be noted that there is a two-way connection between PCOS and prediabetes. High levels of hormones like testosterone stimulate the production of insulin, which then leads to insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia. Both are risk factors for the potential onset of type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. On the other hand, the elevated levels of insulin cause the ovaries to ramp up their production of hormones like testosterone in response. Thus, diabetes likely contributes to the development and maintenance of PCOS.

Common risk factors of PCOS and Type 2 Diabetes

The following are common risk factors associated with PCOS and Type 2 diabetes:

• One of the most common risk factors for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and type 2 diabetes is having excess body weight. It is estimated that between 40 and 80 percent of women who have PCOS conditions are either overweight or obese. In a similar vein, it is believed that obesity is responsible for between 80 and 85 percent of the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

• Similar to type 2 diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is thought to be a genetic disorder, and having a family history of the disease is a risk factor for developing the condition.

• Another common risk factor is stress. Diabetes cannot be brought on by stress alone. However, some data is suggesting that stress may increase the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. (source).  Elevated cortisol and adrenaline levels (stress hormones) have been linked to impaired insulin production by pancreatic beta-cells.  Therefore, this may play a role in the onset of type 2 diabetes. . Stress is thought to play a role in both the development of PCOS and its progression. (source)

• People who routinely get inadequate amounts of sleep are at higher risk of gaining excess weight and developing type 2 diabetes. (source).  . Recent research indicates a high prevalence of sleep disorders in PCOS patients. (source). 

Effect of Insulin In PCOS

Insulin induces the production of androgens by ovarian theca cells. It is also possible for insulin to increase the number of theca cells within the ovaries, thereby enhancing the ovaries' ability to produce androgens. High levels of insulin can also inhibit the production of the sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), which further contributes to elevated levels of male hormones.

The link between PCOS and gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes, in which a woman has trouble regulating her blood sugar levels while pregnant, is another possible outcome of polycystic ovary syndrome. Preterm birth, breathing problems, jaundice, and other birth complications can result from this.

Treating PCOS and Type 2 Diabetes

Birth control pills are commonly used in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome. The use of these pills can reduce the symptoms of PCOS by regulating the menstrual cycle and hormone levels. To treat PCOS, doctors prescribe metformin, which increases insulin sensitivity. Metformin is widely used to treat type 2 diabetes. Because of its ability to reduce insulin resistance, it is used to treat PCOS.

Additional methods of dealing with PCOS and diabetes include: 

‘Adopt a healthy, well-rounded eating pattern- It's important to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, especially those of different colors. The consumption of whole grains is mandatory.  Include lean proteins in your daily diet. Include in your diet lean cuts of meat such as turkey, chicken breasts, fish, and low-fat dairy products. To maintain a healthy diet it is essential to include healthy fats such as olive oil, as well as nuts and seeds.People who suffer from both PCOS and diabetes should watch how much of certain foods they consume. These foods include fast foods, trans fats, sugar, processed meats, white flour, etc. 

Exercise- People who have diabetes, prediabetes, or PCOS can also benefit from increasing their level of physical activity. Exercise can aid in weight loss and the maintenance of a healthy weight. Additionally, it can assist the body in metabolizing and making use of blood sugar, thereby lowering blood sugar levels.

Conclusion

One in every five women in India has been identified as having PCOS. By the time they are 40 years old, around half of women who have PCOS will develop type 2 diabetes. Nonetheless, these conditions are manageable through a combination of a healthy lifestyle and treatment.