Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is considered to be a result of higher levels of circulating insulin. Similarly, insulin is also a characteristic of type 2 diabetes. Affecting women’s ovaries, PCOS leads to abnormal cysts on the surface of the ovaries. Just like diabetes needs proper care, PCOS requires regular monitoring as well. Let’s check how diabetes and PCOS are connected.
Symptoms of PCOS
PCOS is also characterised by having a higher than normal level of male hormones. In order to treat PCOS, it is important to identify one or more symptoms like:
• Irregular or loss of periods
• Fertility problems
• Weight gain
• Hirsutism (excessive hair growth)
• Thinning of or loss of hair
• Acne
Causes of PCOS
Although a specific cause cannot be identified, insulin resistance and weight gain are the primary causes. They lead to the formation of cysts in the ovaries. These also contribute to fluctuations in normal blood sugar levels, which makes it complicated to control diabetes.
Diagnosis of PCOS
Although a definite cause of PCOS cannot be identified, it is being studied whether the same is genetic. Women with type 1 diabetes are surely at a higher risk of developing PCOS. This means that insulin may be a major contributing factor.
Women having PCOS do not know about the same as there’s no single blood test which can diagnose it. The steps followed by doctors can be as follows:
• They first check for thyroid, early menopause, or adrenal gland disorders, which also result in similar symptoms.
• The next check is to test for the swelling of cysts on the ovaries, done through an ultrasound.
• Blood tests may be recommended – for hormone levels, insulin and glucose levels.
Treating PCOS
Although there is no definite cure for PCOS, it is managed by prescribing birth control pills. Pills help in regulating menstruation, reduces androgen levels and clears acne. Treating PCOS becomes easier with a healthy diet and active lifestyle. This also takes care of your blood glucose levels; that is helps you maintain normal sugar levels.
Read More: 3 Important Diabetes Tests: Your Guide to Diabetes Essentials
Staying Healthy
Maintaining normal sugar levels as part of the management of diabetes is important. It can be made possible only with consistent sugar level testing using a glucometer. The BeatO app instantly syncs your blood sugar levels and you get personalised diabetes educator support.
