Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes

I have just read a VERY interesting article in the Spring 2003 issue of Conquest - a publication produced by Diabetes Australia.

It is an article written by Dr Warren Kidson that discusses the fact that women diagnosed with PCOS are at a "markedly increased risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes or an in-between category called impaired glucose tolerance".
I had never heard of this fact and found it to be quite interesting, especially considering that it took me a long time to become pregnant and I also developed gestational diabetes while pregnant.

If I get time (ha ha - 18 month old daughter in tow) I will type out the article in full and post it here.

Maybe anyone suffering PCOS should ask their doctor about this fact, and even keep an eye out for symptoms of diabetes themselves.

Hope this helps

Best wishes

One of the first things that a "good" doctor should do when you have been diagnosed with PCOS is to inform you of this. And do regular glucose tests (I am about to go for another shortly) to keep an eye out for T2 Diabetes. Often the reason why women with PCOS gain or find it hard to lose weight is due to Insulin Resistance which often leads to Diabetes also.

Also Gestational Diabetes is more common in women with PCOS...another thing to look out for.

*hugs*
Cailin

Hi Cailin

Looks like most the doctors I have been to have been duds lol!!

None wanted to really follow up why I was not conceiving and weren't concerned about me having elevated bsl's!!! :roll: Maybe it's because I live remotely??

Then again, I have not been "officially" diagnosed with PCOS - certainly have all the symptoms though.

I am so glad that you have a knowledgable and trustworthy GP!!

This is going to sound funny, but I have a few gf's who live in perth who suffer from PCOS (we used to live there) and they have all been misdiagnosed or gone undiagnosed for a long period of time. I dunno why it is. I didn't get diagnosed until I moved to Sydney...

As far as I know PCOS hasn't been recognised for that long, when I was first diagnosed in 1997 there were alot of Dr's then who didn't believe in it :shock: And it seems only now that more dr's are trying to help and educate women how to live with it and/or reduce the symptoms through diet and exercise etc. The information I first got was pretty ghastly by todays standards...but I guess this happens with all newly recognised disorders. I remember when Endometriosis was not commonly recognised.

Anyway sorry to hear you have had "dudd" doctors (I didn't even realise you had PCOS lol, I thought you were just being helpful!). I would seriously recommend searching around for a doctor that knows something about PCOS and that could possibly get you in touch with a specialist etc.

However in the meantime, the Dr I saw recently Recommended the book "A Patients guide to the Polycystic Ovary" By Professor Gab Kovacs. I haven't yet had a chance to get a copy but I have seen online that it is recommended by the PCOS Assoc. of Aus. so it might be worth a look :)

Anyway if there is anything that you are unsure of and you think I might be able to help let me know :)

*GBH's*
Cailin

Hi Ladies

I too have PCOS, and have been diagnosed as being Insulin Resistant. Not everyone who has PCOS has this, but in most cases it is there.

I found this link tonight to (link removed). This is what they are saying people with PCOS should be treated with, Metformin. This is an info sheet on why, and how it can help.

Hope this helps!!

Mandi
xxx

Hi

I had gestational diabetes with my first daughter, now 10, didnt have it with the second, now 7.
I was TTC for almost 18 months when I was finally diagnosed with PCOS. That was almost 3 years ago, I was also a borderline Type 2 diabetic.
I decided that I had to do something about my weight, so had lapband surgery in May 2002. I have since lost 50 kgs, gone from a size 26 to a size 16 and feel so much better.
I no longer have any signs of diabetes.
I am on Clomid, but have been taking Metformin with that so that it is absorbed properly, that is what my OB says anway.
It worked, I got PG on the first cycle, but unfortunately it ended badly with a missed m/c, then I had to have a D&C and I have now taken a second course of Clomid and Metformin, and I am now officially 1 week overdue for AF, off to the GP tomorrow to try to find some answers.

Fingers crossed :?

Congratulations on your weight loss Dinky that is a fantastic effort !!!

Love

Congratulations Dinky thats fantastic :) Well done!

*hugs*
Cailin

Yayy Dinky that weightloss is awesome!!

I too have had the Lapbanding done, except I have lost it alot slower than you!! I had it done in April 2002, and have lost 30kilos. Only 30 to go before I hit my goal weight, and hopefully the pcos will be heaps better!! I too was borderline Diabetic, and now (as of 1 1/2 mths ago) my levels have dropped heaps and I'm no longer in a 'danger' catergory, which is a huge weight off my mind!! I am still being treated with Metformin for the pcos, and actually have to watch that my levels don't drop too low! A big difference there, but thats ok, I can handle that :D

Good luck with TTC, I hope that AF has stayed away for a good reason!!

Let us know how you go :D

Hugs
Mandi
xxx

Hi Girls!

Wow, Dinky and Mandi - what great success stories - your weight loss is amazing!! Well done.

To be honest girls, the lapbanding really scares me, so for the moment, I'm trying diet and exercise combined with Metformin.

Although my sister, also a BB member (Kelly74) has just had the lapbanding done and has lost 7kg already in just under 2wks. When she fixes her computer, she will most likely pop on and have a chat to you both.

I too, have PCOS, diagnosed in 1995. I didn't get gestational diabetes with my healthy pregnancy and this really surprised my OB as he thought for sure I'd develop it. But I did eat very well during pregnancy. My Mum has diabetes, so it really concerns me, which is why I'm finally doing something about my weight.

Any news Dinky - fingers crossed for you!

All the best to you all!

I was the same Lisa, didn't get GD either. And my mother also has diabetes. Although my mother has type 1 diabetes.

For me I am able to control my weight somewhat with exercise and diet, although I haven't seen a size 12 since 1996 but hey I plan to get there one day! I don't think I could do the lapband surgery...I am a bit afraid of that type of thing...

Goodluck with it all, you girls are inspirational!

*hugs*
Cailin

KelliD I am in Perth too and my doctor is FANTASTIC!! He knows heaps about PCOS and he inspired us (not in a gross way! lol) to try and concieve.

If you are interested in finding out his details if it would help give me an email and I will send them to you. He is based in Edgewater so I dont know how close or far that is from you, but he is GREAT!!!

Hi Girls

My doctor must be a complete dud also as he has not tested me for type2 diabetes yet and has failed to mention anything about it! :evil:

Would anyone know a good doctor in the Brisbane area that knows alot about PCOS?I am currently trying to conceive and my gyno has given me a script for Clomid but I am currently waiting for AF to arrive so I can start taking them.I live in Kingaroy(country qld) and doctors that know anything about PCOS are hard to find.Also does anyone know if Dr John Hemming is any good as that is who I am currently Seeing?

Thanks
Kirsty :D

Hi All,

Like Kirsty my original 2 gyno's that I was seeing for my PCOS never ever mentioned anything to me about T2 Diabetes, and now I have it.

I go to a great gyno now in the Southern Highlands, NSW and an endocrinologist (?) who is fantastic with my PCOS & T2 Diabetes. Sorry I can't recommend you anyone in QLD.

If the matter of T2 Diabetes hasn't come up yet, I'd be asking about it now. Of course, everyone is different, but I still think this is still unchartered waters in a lot of cases.

Hope this helps,

Belinda

Hi girls,

I'm just wondering (and having a bit of a whinge) whether there exists a RE/Gyn that consider the whole picture for their patients. I have PCOS and endo but the only reason that PCOS was diagnosed was my failure in TTC - my current RE/Gyn is helping me try fall pg by way of IVF. He glossed over the idea of metformin (in the context of assisting me falling pg) and said it was unlikely to do anything for me. I mentioned that I didn't think I'd ever been tested for insulin resistance and his response was that he would be willing to put me on Meformin (again, for TTC purposes).

My question is: should I be asking for this test, for my health considerations rather than for TTC? I have had the fasting glucose test which was fine, but as I understand it that won't reveal insulin resistance but will show up type II diabetes.

Any advice appreciated, thanks!

Hi ladies, that's really interesting about women with PCOS (which I also have) being more susceptable to diabetes. A nutritionalist told me that women with PCOS naturally crave more sugar which is probably a link to bringing on diabetes. I have been treated by my TCM for PCOS through acupuncture and herbs (and watching what I eat), which I have on a monthly basis and have had no signs of the PCOS since (this was almost 5 years ago!!). My ob told me the only way to fix it was to start a family, and I had just started seeing my now husband at the time!! Poor guy, lucky he wasn't scared off. The thought of me having to take drugs to fix this problem really scares me.

I hope it works for you ladies.

sleebly - I had the choice on whether or not to take the GTT and decided that I would, just to cover all bases.

If it had of came back negative - great, at least it was ruled out, but if it was positive (which it was) then I'd rather know now and deal with it.

thanks, missbelinda, that resolves it for me: i'm going to ask my GYN/RE to send me off for testing. personally i'll be surprised if i don't have insulin resistance, as i'm always eating or craving sugary food, plus feel 'out of it' for some time after i do eat it then feel almost dizzy some hours after.

i'd love to just put my faith in alternative medicine and diet change, but my sugar cravings are so strong that any time that i try and change my eating habits i feel quite ill

i wonder why doctors don't automatically get their PCOS diagnosed patients tested for insulin resistance...

Insulin resistance is a key factor in classic PCOS. Often if this can be controlled symptoms will reverse.

Luckily for me, Dr Kidson IS my doctor :D :D

He had me on Metformin from the start, long before we were TTC. I really don't want to get diabetes so I'm doing whatever he tells me :D

Girls sorry to but in but can I ask a question?
I have PCOS, diagnosed only when needing fertility treatment. Have been tested for T2 back normal, when pregany had horrendous BSL insulin in huge amounts, Baby born marcosomic. 6 weeks Post delievery all ok again. I have been prescribed 1000mg Met and have it here, but wondered if you can take it with the pill!! Stoopid question I know that Met helps regulate cycles, but after last Met dosage I haven't had AF for 3 months. I really only want Met to see if it can help me lose alittle weight.
Thanks

Hello everyone it is been a very long time since I've posted anything so please forgive me for being out of touch.

Kelli D, I understand exactly word for word what you went through. I too was diagnosed with PCOS after suffering with it through constant misdiagnosis after another of thyroid problems (which now my mother does suffer with), hypoglycemia and fibromyaligia.

I had GD while I was pregnant with my son. Now I was told I was "borderline" diabetic if I didn't which what I ate while I was breastfeeding my son.
The sypmtoms I have when not taking the Metformin or Glucophage is an extreme hunger pain after I've had a full meal then eat something containing sugar. The insulin tolerance causes your natural insulin to not react and think that you have not eaten at all. That is where the struggle with weight loss begins. I manage to lose 15 pounds (I'm not sure how to covert that in metric) before I got pregnant and another 15 pounds while I was pregnant to avoid gaining weight during the pregnancy.

I have a book that really helped me with PCOS titled Living with P.C.O.S. by Angela Boss, Evelina Weidman Sterling with Richard S. Legro, M.D.

I also found it refreshing to have a Gyno who has PCOS as well. It makes me feel a whole better to know someone outside of my family understands the suffering most of go through with PCOS.

I have a question has anyone suffered with a low sex drive from having PCOS?

Hi Can you give me the details of your Dr in edgewater as this is not far from me and I am not having a lot of joy at present

Hi everyone This PCOS thing is all new to me but the GP thinks this is what I have. Iam still waiting on test results but I have 10 small cysts in my ovaries and two larger 3.3 cm. I also have a large fibroid so my uteris is twice normal size. I am lucky because I have 2 children (teenagers now) but I need to clean up my insides somehow. The DR's are talking hysterectomy but I am not sure about this. What are the experiences of others.

hey i am 28 years old and have been trying to fall pregnant for about 6 years and am just about to give up. i have PCOS i am over weight i have insulin resistant as well i find that the medication makes me sick. i have tried to loose weight but well!!!! i have been through IVF and have embryo's sitting there but i am at a lost cause can anyone help please PLEASE:crying: I am trying very hard to be optamistic but it is hard

Cass:( :( :(

Hi Cass

I know how you feel about the medication making you sick. Are you on Metformin? My suggestion is to ask your doctor about Diabex XR. It is the same as Metformin but it's extended release. So you only have to take it once a day and it hasn't made me nearly as sick as the Metformin did. I was having days off work feeling like I was going to vomit, spending the day in the bathroom and just generally feeling off all the time. I've been on the Diabex for about 5 months now and have had none of those feelings at all. So its just my suggestiong that you ask if that's a possibility if you're on Metformin already. Good luck and I hope you feel better!

Jane

Hey there Jane

Have you seen results with the Diabex XR?? Did you have weight to lose??

I have just been diagnosed with Hypothyroidism, Insulin Resistance and probably PCOS (the doctor suspects this) - i have started a low gi diet and am also taking the Diabex along with Oroxine for the Thyroid issue - so am very interested to hear you feedback.

Sorry if this is a bit blunt - I'm just excited to hear of someone else on this medication :)

thanks

Hi Dinky

WOW babe your weight loss is amazing! I am so proud off you.
i too had the lapband surgery in Aug 06 and have only lost 10kg's.
how long did it take you to lose the 50kg's?
I cant eat very much and most of the time I end up vomiting the food- lol
I feel as though i have lost the 10kgs and that is all that will come off.
Do you think i will lose more?
Im insulin resistant and the testosterone was high too. They put me on Metformin
and it seemed to have levelled everything out. Last week I had another blood test
and my insulin was high again.........hmm wonder if that is hindering my weight loss??
I think I may have to go back on Metformin.

has been ttc for 8 years now with no luck. This year i have decided to really concentrate on having a little baby as Im turning 32 and dont have much time left.

wishing you and your family all the joy you deserve.
look forward to hearing from you, keep smiling

ivana

:

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I have just been diagnosed with Hypothyroidism, Insulin Resistance and probably PCOS (the doctor suspects this) - i have started a low gi diet and am also taking the Diabex along with Oroxine for the Thyroid issue - so am very interested to hear you feedback.

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We have similar conditions - don't be discouraged, I concieved my dd at 41 despite all of these things!

I had a really crappy gynae who after 4 d&c's, laparoscopies and polyps told me I didnt have it. My doc did some hormone tests recently after I was having some issues, ultrasound and my past history combined showed I have PCOS and I was told I am already at a pre-diabetic state. I am lucky my doc picked this up now so I can make changes, its just a pity a qualified gynae who doesnt believe in PCOS couldnt diagnose this. I guess tho if you dont believe in it then its pretty darn impossible to diagnose ;).

Hi everyone,
I had to wait over 2 yrs to be offically diagnosed. After gaining huge amount of weight but still doing the same gym workout each week and eating the same foods and amounts of.

I was thrown between GP after GP and dietician and finally to the result of me jumping up and down and demanding referal I went to my gyno and he sent me for scans and Bloods and i had a diganoses.

I suggest to anyone who can to try to get to see a gyno as this is really their 'field' of experience. I had one GP tell me that my probelm was my weight not PCOS DUH!!!! :wall:

I already have type 1 diabetes so I guess I am a little different which has made conception VERY HARD.

It took a long time and would you believe it was when i almost gave up that I fell pregnant. Now i have all the triasl of perfect HBA1c's and BSLs to combat !!! ( starting to feel like a ninja!)

I got very down about myself with the weight and why my body was doing this. and then diagnosed with depression to boot !!!!!!

I do have one questions. I suffered from acne VERY badly and tried everything to clear it up but being hormonal it was hard. But i tried SK11 and believe me it has WORKED !!!. I know very expensive but you only use a tiny tiny bit so it lasts forever. Has anyone else tried this ???

I now have a little miracle and I hope it sticks.

PS I have started a Diabetic Mums Group if anyone is interested.

Wishing you all :pink-babydust:

I can say I know how hard this is....

Em

Hi im 25 and have been diagnosed with PCOS 10 months ago and have also been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and started on insulin injections. We have been TTC for 6 months now and am wondering if anyone else has been in a similar situation. i want to know when i should be starting to look at alternate ways such as clomid to help me to concieve. i live in a rural town with only 2 doctors that work here so i feel like ive just been left to TTC without any extra knowledge from the doctors as to how long i should be trying to conceive without interfering or doing any extra tests etc. or as i have never been pregnant before am i just worrying for no reason?