The prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome in Iranian women with gestational diabetes: a pilot study

Abstract

Background: There are some metabolic similarities between women with history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS); so, it has been postulated that there may be shared etiopathological factors between to conditions. The present study was designed to determine the prevalence of PCOS in women with a history of GDM.

Methods: Twenty women with and 24 without GDM were followed for two years after delivery. Clinical features, blood biochemistry, and hormonal profile were compared between two groups. Ovarian morphology was studied via abdominal ultrasonography. The National Institute of Health (NIH) and the Rotterdam criteria were used for diagnosis.

Results: The prevalence of PCOS was higher in the GDM group than that in the non-GDM group (45% vs. 25%, P= 0.16); however, the difference was not statistically significant. The GDM group had a higher prevalence of overweight, central obesity, hirsutism, irregular menses, and PCOS than did the women in the non-GDM group. The serum levels of fasting blood sugar, hemoglobin A1C, lipid profiles, and insulin were also higher in the GDM group. Testosterone levels tended to be higher in the GDM group; significantly, free testosterone index.

Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of PCOS and metabolic syndrome in our sample of Iranian women with GDM which suggests a correlation between PCOS and GDM. Therefore, we recommend that all women with a history of PCOS be screened for GDM.