What women need to know about PMOS and diabetes risk

Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, or PMOS, is a common, lifelong disorder in women that can cause unpleasant symptoms as well as infertility. Many women are unaware they have PMOS until they try to get pregnant and encounter difficulties. Our experienced team of fertility specialists can accurately diagnose PMOS 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 PMOS and diabetes risk is especially important for our patients seeking infertility care and PMOS treatment in Texas.

Does PMOS cause diabetes?

Yes, PMOS and diabetes risk are connected. More than half of women with PMOS develop type 2 diabetes by the time they are 40 years old. Many women with PMOS 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 PMOS 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 PMOS develop type 2 diabetes, and there are actions you can take to reduce your risk.

Preventing type 2 diabetes by controlling PMOS

Because polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome has no “cure,” treatment is focused on controlling PMOS throughout your lifetime. Ongoing management of PMOS can improve symptoms, optimize fertility, and reduce your PMOS and diabetes risk for the long term. If you come to us for fertility treatment and are diagnosed with PMOS, we can help you find the right provider for ongoing PMOS treatment in Texas.

Hope for women concerned about PMOS and diabetes risk

PMOS 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 PMOS 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 PMOS and diabetes.