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POSITION STATEMENT: Glucose Intolerance in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome—A Position Statement of the Androgen Excess Society

Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, and Departments of Internal Medicine (K.E.S.S., E.P.W., P.A.E., J.E.N.), Pharmacy (K.I.C.), Pediatrics (E.P.W., N.W.K.), and Obstetrics and Gynecology (N.W.K., J.E.N.), Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298-0111

Address all correspondence and requests for reprints to: John E. Nestler, M.D., Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Virginia Commonwealth University, P.O. Box 980111, Richmond, Virginia 23298-0111. E-mail: jnestler{at}mcvh-vcu.edu.

Objectives: Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) are at increased risk for developing glucose intolerance and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Recommendations for the timing and method of screening have varied. The purpose of this statement is to determine the optimal screening method, timing of screening, and treatment modalities for impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) among women with PCOS.

Participants: The expert panel was appointed by the Androgen Excess Society (AES) to review the literature and make recommendations based on the available evidence. Meetings were open, and there was no funding for the panel.

Evidence: A systematic review was conducted of the published, peer-reviewed medical literature using MEDLINE to identify studies that addressed the prevalence, risk factors, testing, and treatment for IGT in both adults and adolescents with PCOS. Unpublished data were not considered.

Consensus Process: The panel held meetings to review the literature and draft the statement as a committee. The AES board members reviewed and critiqued the manuscript, and changes were made based on their comments.

Conclusions: The panel recommends that all patients with PCOS be screened for IGT with a 2-h oral glucose tolerance test. A few members of the AES board recommend alternatively screening women with PCOS for IGT and type 2 DM using an oral glucose tolerance test only in patients with a body mass index of 30 kg/m² or greater or in lean patients with additional risk factors. Patients with normal glucose tolerance should be rescreened at least once every 2 yr, or more frequently if additional risk factors are identified. Those with IGT should be screened annually for development of type 2 DM. PCOS patients with IGT should be treated with intensive lifestyle modification and weight loss and considered for treatment with insulin-sensitizing agents.

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