Metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance in Thai women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance in Thai women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). MATERIAL AND METHOD: Oral glucose tolerance tests were performed in 70 PCOS women. Blood was taken for the measurement of fasting insulin, 2-hr postprandial insulin, lipid profiles, testosterone and sex hormone binding globulin RESULTS: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance was 24.3% and 30.7%, respectively. Diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance was detected in 11.4% and 31.4%, respectively Homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) was the most sensitive screening test for insulin resistance. PCOS women with metabolic syndrome had significantly higher body mass index, free testosterone index and insulin levels than those without the syndrome. CONCLUSION: There was a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance in Thai PCOS women. A combination of fasting glucose, a 2-hr glucose tolerance test and fasting insulin level effectively identified PCOS women who were at high risk of metabolic syndrome.