Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Evaluation of Hepatic Glucose Production in a Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Mouse Model
Published on: March 5, 2022
Abnormal glucose tolerance in polycystic ovary syndrome
1Sri Aurobinda Seva Kendra and Vivekananda Institute of Medical Sciences, Kolkata, India. sudhin@vsnl.net
Aim:
To investigate the incidence of abnormal glucose tolerance (AGT) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and the reliability of fasting plasma glucose level (FPG) as a screening test for this metabolic abnormality.
Methods:
Two hundred and three women (62 adolescents and 141 adults) diagnosed with PCOS underwent estimation of FPG and 2-h plasma glucose after ingestion of 75 g of glucose on an empty stomach. In each case, body mass index (BMI) was calculated from height and weight measurements.
Results:
AGT was found in 16.3% of cases (33/203). AGT was found in 9.7% of adolescent cases (6/62) and 19.1% of adults (27/141) (P=0.03). Women with abnormal glucose tolerance had higher BMI than those with normal glucose tolerance in the two subgroups (not statistically significant). Difference in BMI between adults and adolescents with normal glucose tolerance was statistically significant, but not in cases with AGT.
Conclusion:
AGT was found in 16.3% of women with PCOS (19.1% of adults and 9.7% of adolescents). BMI alone is not a significant contributory factor causing deterioration of glucose tolerance as a woman with PCOS matures. Other clinical parameters of obesity such as upper body obesity need to be studied. All women with PCOS should undergo periodic screening for abnormal glucose tolerance. Fasting plasma glucose is a poor screening test to detect abnormal glucose tolerance.
Related Concept Videos
Hyperglycemia
Type I Diabetes III: Clinical Manifestations
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational
Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
Type II Diabetes I: Introduction
Type II Diabetes Mellitus III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnosis

