Metabolic Syndrome and Insulin Resistance in Thai Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Tawiwan Pantasri MD*, Teraporn Vutyavanich MD*, Opas Sreshthaputra MD*, Kasemsri Srisupundit MD*, Waraporn Piromlertamorn MSc*
Affiliation : * Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Objective : To determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance in Thai women with polycystic ovary
syndrome (PCOS).
Material and Method: Oral glucose tolerance tests were performed in 70 PCOS women. Blood was taken for the
measurement of fasting insulin, 2-hr postprandial insulin, lipid profiles, testosterone and sex hormone binding globulin
levels.
Results : The prevalence of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance was 24.3% and 30.7%, respectively. Diabetes
mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance was detected in 11.4% and 31.4%, respectively. Homeostatic model assessment
(HOMA) was the most sensitive screening test for insulin resistance. PCOS women with metabolic syndrome had significantly
higher body mass index, free testosterone index and insulin levels than those without the syndrome.
Conclusion : There was a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose
tolerance in Thai PCOS women. A combination of fasting glucose, a 2-hr glucose tolerance test and fasting insulin level
effectively identified PCOS women who were at high risk of metabolic syndrome.
Keywords : Diabetes mellitus, Impaired glucose tolerance, Insulin resistance, Metabolic syndrome, PCOS
