HYPERINSULINEMIC POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME (PCOS) PATIENTS ARE AT RISK OF DEVELOPING DIABETES & CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

Hina Pervaiz and Aziza Khanam*

ABSTRACT

Background: The polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) patients usually has no remarkable difference in their fasting blood sugar level but obesity play an important role. The study was designed to assess the relationship of PCOS to diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Objective: To assess the relationship of diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease with hyperinsulinemia in polycystic ovarian syndrome patients. Materials & Methods: This case control study was conducted at department of Biochemistry, University of Karachi from June 2008 to June 2012. Simple random technique was used to collect the data of study. 100 diagnosed according to Rotterdam criteria polycystic ovarian syndrome patients and 100 healthy controls were screened for blood hematological parameters (Hemoglobin, Leukocyte counts and RBC Counts) and Biochemical parameters (FBS, Oral glucose tolerance test, Cholesterol, Triglycerides, Lipoproteins,and Insulin). Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and Quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI)were calculated. Statistical Analysis: The statistical analysis was done by SPSS version 11.0. Pearson correlation coefficient (r) was used to correlate the biophysical and biochemical parameters with hormone and lipid profile. p-value < 0.05 was considered significant. Result: The QUICKI (r = -0.68) & HOMA – IR (r = -0.97) both shows a significant (p<0.05) correlation with serum insulin level in PCOS patients: The high insulin (>9.0 mU/L) PCOS BMI correlates significantly (p < 0.05) with cholesterol (r=0.29), Triglyceride (r= 0.38) and Triglycerides / LDL ratio (r= 0.39). Conclusion: The hyperinsulinemic PCOS women showed insulin resistance and impaired glucose tolerance, therefore they are at risk of developing type – 2 diabetes mellitus in later life. The obese hyperinsulinemic PCOS patients shown dyslipidemia and are at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The implication of the study is that it may produce an impact on the treatment of PCOS patients to improve their quality of life. The new aspect of study is the deranged carbohydrate metabolism leads to abnormal lipid metabolism and vice versa. PCOS is also a risk factor for stroke (cerebrovascular accident).

Keywords: Polycystic ovarian syndrome, Diabetes mellitus, Hyperinsulinemia, Hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular disease.