Abnormal glucose tolerance in polycystic ovary syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the incidence of abnormal glucose tolerance (AGT) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and the reliability of fasting plasma glucose level (FPG) as a screening test for this metabolic abnormality.


METHODS
Two hundred and three women (62 adolescents and 141 adults) diagnosed with PCOS underwent estimation of FPG and 2-h plasma glucose after ingestion of 75 g of glucose on an empty stomach. In each case, body mass index (BMI) was calculated from height and weight measurements.


RESULTS
AGT was found in 16.3% of cases (33/203). AGT was found in 9.7% of adolescent cases (6/62) and 19.1% of adults (27/141) (P=0.03). Women with abnormal glucose tolerance had higher BMI than those with normal glucose tolerance in the two subgroups (not statistically significant). Difference in BMI between adults and adolescents with normal glucose tolerance was statistically significant, but not in cases with AGT.


CONCLUSIONS
AGT was found in 16.3% of women with PCOS (19.1% of adults and 9.7% of adolescents). BMI alone is not a significant contributory factor causing deterioration of glucose tolerance as a woman with PCOS matures. Other clinical parameters of obesity such as upper body obesity need to be studied. All women with PCOS should undergo periodic screening for abnormal glucose tolerance. Fasting plasma glucose is a poor screening test to detect abnormal glucose tolerance.
Bhattacharya
Sudhindra M
SM
Sri Aurobinda Seva Kendra and Vivekananda Institute of Medical Sciences, Kolkata, India. sudhin@vsnl.net
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005951:Glucose Tolerance Test; D006801:Humans; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000097:blood*
D001786:Blood Glucose