Polycystic ovary syndrome, also known as PCOS, affects approximately one in ten women in the U.S. This condition has many symptoms, including weight gain, insulin resistance, and difficulty with weight loss. A woman with PCOS may need to make lifestyle changes including diet and exercise before she is able to successfully lose weight.
Testing
One of the tests a doctor may perform in diagnosing PCOS is a glucose tolerance test. This blood test determines the impact of foods on the blood sugar and can lead to diagnosing insulin resistance.
Insulin Resistance
Similar to diabetes, women with PCOS often exhibit insulin resistance. This condition causes an over response of insulin, affecting the blood sugar when food is consumed and causing it to be stored as fat.
Diet
Eating foods with a low gastric index combats insulin resistance in the body and produces a smaller impact on blood sugar. Foods with a low gastric index include whole grains, green vegetables, and lean proteins such as chicken, beef, and fish.
Medication
Medications such as metformin (glucophage) may be used to mitigate the body's insulin response. This medication is used for diabetics and increases sensitivity to insulin, which can decrease insulin production.
Exercise
When combined with dietary changes and medication, exercise becomes more effective. The use of combined cardiovascular workouts and weight training builds lean muscle mass, which then helps the body process stored energy more efficiently. The end result is greater weight loss.
Tags: blood sugar, gastric index, insulin resistance, insulin resistance, This condition