Women who have PCOS, i.e., polycystic ovary syndrome usually struggle with insulin resistance.
However, not all women have insulin resistance. In addition, around 40 percent of people are expected to develop type 2 diabetes by the age of 40 or to develop prediabetes.
So the question is how these things above mentioned are related? And how we can manage and prevent these things?
PCOS and Insulin Resistance
Insulin resistance links with chronic inflammation. In addition, chronic inflammation is inherent when it comes to polycystic ovary syndrome, and that raises the risk of having insulin resistance.
Therefore, we are susceptible to it because of chronic inflammation. The cells slowly begin losing the sensitivity to insulin and forcing the body to release more insulin in order to get a response from the cells.
The consistently high level of insulin is insulin resistance. We need to consult our doctor to find out if we have insulin resistance.
However, if we have insulin resistance that does not necessarily mean that we will develop diabetes or prediabetes.
PCOS and Prediabetes
In case our insulin resistance is untreated or unchecked it might lead to prediabetes. That means that the blood glucose is continuously high and that the cells lose their sensitivity to insulin and part of the glucose stays in the bloodstream and not moving into our cells.
In order to check for prediabetes, we need to do a fasting blood test. If the blood glucose levels are higher than normal, that means we have prediabetes.
In case the blood glucose levels and insulin resistance are untreated that might lead to type 2 diabetes.
PCOS and Type 2 Diabetes
According to statistics, around 40 percent of people will probably develop type 2 diabetes by the age of 40.
As a matter of fact, the blood glucose levels continue to rise as the body loses its sensitivity to insulin and it’s not able to make enough insulin.
Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Extreme tiredness
- Increased hunger (this might be related to PCOS)
- Loss of muscle mass (the body begins to use muscles for energy)
Type 2 diabetes comes with severe complications; therefore if we suspect of having this type of diabetes, we need to consult our doctor immediately.
But, the good news is that there are a few things which can help us prevent the development of the things above mentioned.
How to Prevent This
Take Supplements
There are supplements which can help us with chronic inflammation and insulin sensitivity. Common supplements which most women with PCOS use are Inositol and Omega 3. However, the best thing would be to consult our doctor in order to get the right supplement and dosage.
Exercise
It has been shown that exercise can increase the sensitivity to insulin. It does not really matter what type of exercise we do, as long as we are active and moving.
Follow a PCOS Diet
The right diet is essential in order to manage PCOS. The diet below mentioned will help to alleviate inflammation and control insulin levels. We should eat foods with a low glycemic load. Such fruits are bananas, cherries, berries, grapefruit, pears, and apples.
From vegetables, feel free to consume everything except potatoes. We should also consume fatty fish (abundant in omega 3) and lean meat. Make sure always to have good protein and fats with carbs.
We should avoid dairy since it can raise testosterone levels and gluten since it leads to inflammation. Also, we should avoid processed foods since such foods cause a spike in insulin.
Avoid soy because it can delay ovulation. In no time we will get used to the diet and exercise, we will feel better and look better.
