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What women need to know about PCOS and diabetes risk
Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a common, lifelong disorder in women that can cause unpleasant symptoms as well as infertility. Many women are unaware they have PCOS until they try to get pregnant and encounter difficulties. Our experienced team of fertility specialists can accurately diagnose PCOS and provide effective fertility treatments to help these women achieve pregnancy.
Because it can also lead to long-term medical conditions and pregnancy complications, understanding the link between PCOS and diabetes risk is especially important for our patients seeking infertility care and PCOS treatment in Texas.
PCOS
Does PCOS cause diabetes?
Yes, PCOS and diabetes risk are connected. More than half of women with PCOS develop type 2 diabetes by the time they are 40 years old. Many women with PCOS who do not have type 2 diabetes are considered to be pre-diabetic.
Type 2 diabetes risk is a serious concern. In women with type 2 diabetes, the body’s cells do not respond properly to insulin, which is the hormone that helps glucose, or sugar, in the bloodstream enter the cells that need it for energy. This leads to high blood sugar levels, which if left untreated, can lead to type 2 diabetes. Over time, high blood sugar can damage nerves, eyes and organs, and can even lead to blindness.
Most women who have PCOS have insulin resistance or impaired glucose tolerance, which means their bodies produce insulin but don’t respond correctly to it. However, not all women with PCOS develop type 2 diabetes, and there are actions you can take to reduce your risk.
Preventing type 2 diabetes by controlling PCOS
Because polycystic ovary syndrome has no “cure,” treatment is focused on controlling PCOS throughout your lifetime. Ongoing management of PCOS can improve symptoms, optimize fertility, and reduce your PCOS and diabetes risk for the long term. If you come to us for fertility treatment and are diagnosed with PCOS, we can help you find the right provider for ongoing PCOS treatment in Texas.
Hope for women concerned about PCOS and diabetes risk
PCOS and diabetes risk can be minimized with the right treatment plan. Our board certified reproductive endocrinologists provide infertility treatment for women with this condition, and can help them find PCOS treatment in Texas to help them manage the condition going forward. Contact us today to schedule an appointment to learn more about infertility treatment for women managing PCOS and diabetes.