title: The link between polycystic ovary syndrome and both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes mellitus: what do we know today?
abstract: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) are both obesity-related conditions that share epidemiological and pathophysiological factors. Insulin resistance is a key factor whereby obesity influences the expression of each condition. However, the mechanisms by which insulin resistance contributes towards the manifestation of PCOS and T2D differ in important ways: in PCOS, compensatory hyperinsulinemia results in pleiotropic effects including co-gonadotrophic stimulation of ovarian and adrenal steroidogenesis; in T2D, insulin resistance contributes towards β-cell exhaustion and ultimately to hyposecretion of insulin with resultant dysglycemia. The link between PCOS and Type 1 diabetes mellitus is believed to implicate supraphysiological concentrations of insulin within the systemic circulation. Further progression of the obesity epidemic will ensure even greater prominence of important obesity-related conditions such as PCOS and T2D. Research to gain a clearer understanding of the mechanisms linking each condition should be a priority.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Reproductive & Developmental Biology, Imperial College (Hammersmith Campus), London, W12 0NN, UK. t.barber@warwick.ac.uk
authors.forename: Thomas M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Barber
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Franks
mesh_terms: D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000150:complications* / Q000235:genetics; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications* / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006946:Hyperinsulinism; D007333:Insulin Resistance / Q000502:physiology; D050417:Insulin-Secreting Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications* / Q000235:genetics; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000235:genetics