DIFFERENT GLYCEMIC VARIABILITY IN WOMEN WITH POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME WITH AND WITHOUT INSULIN RESISTANCE: A PILOT STUDY.

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine and metabolic disorder that affects 10-13% of women in reproductive age and it is often associated with insulin resistance (IR). There is lack of evidence about glucose profiles evaluated throughout continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in women with PCOS, especially according to the presence of IR.

Methods: Women with PCOS ≥18 years old underwent CGM (Freestyle Libre 2, Abbott®) for 14 days. Insulin resistance was defined by homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) >2 or quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) <0.357. CGM metrics were compared between the two groups. Associations between hormonal assays and CGM metrics were also evaluated.

Results: In 36 women with PCOS, median age 22 [18-26] years, BMI 27.5 (6.6) Kg/m², time in range (TIR, 70-180 mg/dl) and time in tight range (TiTR, 70-140 mg/dl) were comparable between women with and without IR (p>0.05). Independently to the score used to evaluate IR, women with IR presented lower coefficient of variation compared to those without IR (using HOMA-IR, CV non-IR 17.1 [12.0-19.8] vs IR 13.5 [11.2-15.5], p=0.04; using QUICKI non-IR 17.3 [11.2-19.9] vs IR 13.8 [10.9-15.7], p=0.04). Follicle stimulating hormone was also correlated with mean sensor glucose, time spent above 140 mg/dl and glucose management indicator.

Conclusion: Women with PCOS presented overall good glucose control. No differences in TIR and TiTR were detected but women with IR presented lower coefficient of variation.