Insulin secretion in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrinopathies occuring in 5-10% women in their fertile years. The incidence of impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes mellitus type 2 is significantly increased in PCOS. Hyperinsulinaemia and insulin resistance are present in a relevant number of PCOS women. In our projects we therefore concentrated on various aspects of insulin secretion in PCOS women. We used different approaches and calculations, which are complementary to each other and provide a more detailed insight into possible beta cell dysfunction. Aims of our studies were 1) examine how the beta cell function is influenced by the family history of DM 2, 2) examine the insulin pulsatile secretion, 3) examine the secretion of incretins and 4) examine the prevalence of glucose intolerance and its potential prediction in PCOS women. 1) Decreased insulin sensitivity was observed only in PCOS women with the positive family history of DM 2 in comparison to healthy controls. If these women have normal glucose tolerance, they compensate the decreased insulin sensititivity by the increased insulin secretion. 2) Lean PCOS women had similar insulin pulsatile secretion patterns with the exception of broader insulin peaks in comparison to healthy controls. Insulin sensitivity was not associated..