PCOS and Diabetes are More Connected than You Think


November 14, 2022

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116 million—that’s the number of women in the world who suffer from polycystic ovarian syndrome. Also known as PCOS, this hormonal disorder affects many women of all ages. It’s associated with menstrual abnormalities caused by an excess of androgen in the female body. Its symptoms, although manageable, have a great impact on the fertility and quality of life of women.

But that’s not all. Studies have shown that, due to a dysregulation of hormones, 50% of women who have PCOS will develop prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes by age 40.

Why is this so?

  1. Insulin Resistance

Our bodies are built to digest the insulin we put into our bodies to turn them into energy. However, people with PCOS experience insulin resistance, which means the insulin gets stored up and increases their risk of diabetes. 

  1. Being Overweight/Obese

Body mass and weight is a common risk factor for both PCOS and type 2 diabetes. Many women who have PCOS are classified under the overweight and obese spectrum, leading to high levels of insulin.

  1. Genetics

If a patient’s mother or sister has a history of PCOS or type 2 diabetes, that raises the odds of them having either—or both—of the diseases. 

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Hitting two birds with one stone.

To help treat both PCOS and diabetes naturally, medical professionals usually recommend two things: a balanced diet and regular exercise.

A healthy diet should consist of:

  • Whole-grain food

  • Healthy fat (i.e. seeds, nuts, olive oil)

  • Lean protein (i.e. fish, low fat dairy, turkey, chicken breasts)

  • Colorful fruits and vegetables

If there’s anything that should be avoided, it should be junk food, processed food, simple carbohydrates (i.e. white rice, white pasta, white bread, white flour, sugar), and trans fats.

For exercise, Dr. Tara Scott, MD gives great advice on how to start:

  1. Consistency is key.

Pencil in at least four (4) workout sessions per week with each session lasting for at least thirty (30) minutes.

  1. Focus on endurance.

Instead of doing heavy-lifting, lift lighter weights for a higher number of reps. Higher volumes and intensities of strength training can raise testosterone levels which people with PCOS may want to avoid.

  1. HIIT is best.

Short bursts of cardio through high-intensity interval training (HIIT) have the best effect on metabolic balance, says Dr. Scott. Doing regular HIIT workouts can significantly lower levels of insulin. 

Get a plan that takes care of you.

Diabetes can lead to complications that result in hospitalizations. Here at Paramount Direct, we have reimbursement-type health insurance products that give you the financial protection that you need should you fall ill.

Our Hospital Income Benefit Plan can cover individuals, couples or even families from ages 20 up to 64 years old. It provides cash benefits of up to PHP4,000/day for regular confinement, up to PHP8,000/day for dread disease confinement and up to PHP80,000 lump sum for lengthy confinement.

HTML tutorialWhether it’s PCOS or diabetes you’re trying to fprepare for, Paramount Direct has got you covered. Get the protection you deserve today


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