Fasting Insulin Level in Obese and Non-ObesePatients with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Abstract

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common syndrome which affects 5-10% of
premenopausal women. This syndrome is genetic in origin having ammenorrhoea hirsutism and obesity.
Insulin resistance is commonly seen in them. The aim of the study was to find out insulin resistance in both
obese and non obese patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome. This finding can change the line of
management in these patients.
Methods: This study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Services Hospital,
Lahore from January 2003 to March 2004. Fasting insulin level of 60 female patients (PCOS) half obese
and half non obese was found out and compared with 40 normal healthy matched controls (half obese and
half non obese).
Results: In obese and non obese cases average fasting insulin level was significantly raised than controls.
It was more marked in obese than non obese cases. Obesity itself is a factor which aggravates the insulin
resistance it was found that 30% of obese and 20% non obese (PCOS) were insulin resistant.
Conclusion: Fasting insulin level is a useful screening method to find out the insulin sensitivity in patient
with PCOS. In these patients we can suggest the insulin lowering drugs rather than routine ovulation
induction and hormone therapies for irregular cycles, anovulation and infertility.