National Diabetes Association Day — Discussing PCOS and Diabetes

Medically reviewed by Sophia Yen, MD, MPH – Written by Pandia Health Editorial Team

Today, we’re bringing awareness to people with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and diabetes. PCOS is a hormonal imbalance of insulin and progesterone, and is one of the most common and misunderstood health problems for women. There is currently no known cause of PCOS although doctors say it may be a combination of genes and the environment. As there is no cure, PCOS is often treated with birth control, typically the pill, patch, ring or the IUD with progesterone. 

How Are PCOS and Diabetes Related?

Symptoms include irregular or no periods, hirsutism, acne, weight gain, infertility, and pelvic pain. PCOS is also linked to an increased risk of developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease and mental health disorders. Diabetes affects the body’s ability to create or use insulin and people with PCOS have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes due to a risk of insulin resistance; plus, since obesity is a symptom of PCOS, it is more common for a person to get type 2 diabetes as it typically occurs in those who are overweight. 

Struggling with PCOS symptoms? Pandia doctors can prescribe the pill, patch, and ring and deliver it for FREE to help decrease the pain! Sign up today to learn more and live (nearly) PCOS-free 🙂

If you’re wondering how to effectively handle PCOS, check out the tips below!

• Metformin
  • Metformin (also called Glucophage®) is a medication that helps prevent or treat diabetes and is often prescribed to women with PCOS. People with PCOS usually have elevated insulin levels and are more likely to develop diabetes. Metformin helps regulate the amount of sugar in the blood, making your body more sensitive to insulin; women with high insulin who take Metformin are less likely to develop type 2 diabetes and those with PCOS who are overweight and take Metformin (combined with a healthy lifestyle) are able to lose weight and lower their fasting blood sugar. 

• Diet Control
  • PCOS causes hormonal imbalances and problems with metabolism so it’s very important to maintain a healthy diet! Eating lots of fruits and veggies is important but there are actually 3 different types of food lifestyles you can follow if you need some guidance!
    • A low glycemic index (GI) diet: Foods with a low GI are digested slowly so insulin levels do not rise as much or as quickly. Foods include whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, fruits, starchy vegetables, and unprocessed, low-carbohydrate products.
    • An anti-inflammatory diet: Berries, fatty fish, leafy greens, and extra virgin olive oil may reduce inflammation-related symptoms.
    • The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet: This reduces the risk or impact of heart disease and may help manage PCOS symptoms. It is rich in fish, poultry, fruits, vegetables whole grain, and low-fat dairy produce.

• Birth Control
  • With PCOS, multiple cysts develop on the ovaries and can cause heavy, irregular, or painful periods; when untreated, people with PCOS have a higher risk of getting type 2 diabetes, infertility, high blood pressure, ovarian cancer, and heart disease. PCOS is often treated with birth control which is a win-win for those who want to prevent pregnancy. The ring, pill, and patch prevent ovulation which decreases the number of cysts on the ovary.

The birth control pill, patch, and ring allows you to turn off your period, reducing irregular menstrual cycles and painful cramps (often enhanced by PCOS). To get your birth control delivered to you for FREE, sign up for Pandia, the most trusted provider of birth control delivery! 

So, on this National Diabetes Association Day, let’s bring awareness to those living with PCOS and diabetes. If you have PCOS, the easiest way to treat is is by taking birth control which can be delivered to you free of charge when you sign up with Pandia. Take action today to live your best life and kick PCOS in the butt! (Hint: check out page 5 for an inspiring story about PCOS)

 

The above information is for general informational purposes only and is NOT a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor/primary care provider before starting or changing treatment.