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Updated: Aug 19, 2026

A Hyperandrogenic Mouse Model to Study Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Published on: October 2, 2018
Impaired glucose effectiveness in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome
T Falcone1, A B Little, D Morris
1Department of Medicine, Royal Victoria Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Abstract:
Insulin resistance and glucose intolerance are common features of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). We have investigated the effect of glucose on the fractional glucose disappearance in patients with PCOS and in age- and weight-matched control subjects. The minimal model method as applied to a frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test was employed. The insulin sensitivity index (Si) and glucose effectiveness (SG) were calculated with the MINMOD program. Testosterone, androstenedione and free testosterone concentrations were significantly higher in PCOS subjects. Glucose-induced glucose clearance (SG) and insulin sensitivity were significantly lower in PCOS subjects than controls [SG: 2.7 +/- 0.3 versus 1.8 +/- 0.1 x 100/min; P less than 0.01; Si: 133.4 +/- 20.0 versus 65.6 +/- 6.4/min (nmol/ml)]. Six PCOS women had an SG value within the normal range (greater than 2.0 x 100/min) but had a similar Si to that found in PCOS women with abnormal SG. We suggest that independent alterations in both glucose- and insulin-mediated glucose uptake occur in patients with PCOS. The underlying disturbance in glucose effectiveness may be similar to that found in familial non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus.
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