PCOS-Related Insulin Resistance

If you have PCOS you are probably already aware of insulin resistance. You may already battle this complication because these two often go hand in hand. When insulin resistance is not controlled, it can lead to diabetes so it is critical that PCOS patients know the signs so that they can get the treatment needed to help prevent them from getting to the diabetes stage. I have PCOS and insulin resistance and my dad is a Type 2 diabetic so my risk of diabetes is very high. Diabetes is something I think about frequently and while my insulin resistance is well-controlled with a very healthy lifestyle, I have my struggles when I have to do my steroid treatments (for a non-PCOS issue) because this raises my blood sugar levels. I think where I am a bit lucky is that I am also hypoglycemic so this may counteract things a bit. However, all women with PCOS are different and the only thing we have in common is our risk for developing diabetes. Here we will discuss insulin resistance and how you can work towards keeping diabetes off your radar.

Get Screened

I tell people to monitor their blood sugar at home. Talk to your doctor about how to do this, especially if you already have confirmed insulin resistance. It is estimated that about 30 to 40 percent of women with PCOS may develop insulin resistance. From this stage, the risk for developing diabetes is very real. The main way to prevent diabetes is to know your blood sugar. Pricking your finger certainly is not pleasant, but it really is not that bad either. Also, you can always find free to low-cost monitors through the manufacturers and various companies online and your doctor can often help you. Your doctor will do more specific tests called fasting blood sugar, and if elevated, a glucose tolerance test. These may be repeated to determine your insulin resistance.

Prevention

Diabetes has no known cure at this time, but it is highly manageable, as is insulin resistance. I mentioned that I manage my insulin resistance with a specific healthy diet. Now, yes, I do enjoy the occasional vanilla cupcake with buttercream frosting because you only live once, but I fill my plates with fruits and vegetables and lean proteins. I also get plenty of whole grains. "Bad foods" are treats and are very occasional treats. I also exercise regularly. When I am doing my steroid treatments, if my blood sugar levels are getting too high, I sometimes have to be put on a medication temporarily to bring my blood sugar levels down. Some women take metformin daily in addition to a healthy lifestyle to keep their insulin resistance in check. Metformin is inexpensive and an effective medication for both insulin resistance and diabetes. My dad actually takes it for his Type 2 diabetes and does very well on it.

Resources

PubMed: Insulin Resistance and PCOS