Risk factors for the deterioration of glucose metabolism in polycystic ovary syndrome

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have a high risk of abnormal glucose metabolism, which deteriorates gradually over time. This study was designed to assess contributing factors to the rate of deterioration of glucose metabolism over the 4- to 7-year follow-up period. The study group included 67 PCOS women who had normal glucose tolerance in the initial test in 1990-1992. There was a significant increase in both fasting and 2-h glucose concentrations, and body weight, over the follow-up period. The initial obesity, expressed as waist:hip ratio and BMI was significantly related to the increase of glucose concentrations, while weight gain was not a significant factor. The over-weight/obese PCOS women have a faster deterioration of glucose metabolism over the follow-up period than the non-obese ones. Moderate weight gain has no significant detrimental effect on the rate of deterioration of glucose metabolism.