PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) affects millions of women. It has been called a form of pre-diabetes because the conditions have much in common. Women with PCOS are often overweight, have insulin resistance, have high levels of fasting blood glucose and, in fact, have a much higher risk overall of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

References

Watson, Stephanie; medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, PhD, MSN, RN, CNE, COI. “Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome,” Healthline (March 29, 2019). https://www.healthline.com/health/polycystic-ovary-disease (accessed on 8/3/2020).

Krans, Brian; medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, DO. “What’s the Connection Between Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and Diabetes?” Healthline (updated on July 6, 2018). https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes/are-pcos-and-diabetes-connected (accessed on 8/3/2020).

Spero, David, BSN, RN. “PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) and Diabetes,” Diabetes Self-management (October 5, 2016). https://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/blog/pcos-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-diabetes/ (accessed on 8/3/2020).