A comparative study of insulin levels in lean versus obese polycystic ovarian syndrome patients

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders in women of reproductive age group. PCOS has been frequently associated with insulin resistance and obesity. Although most of the cases with PCOS are obese or overweight, a significant proportion of patients have normal body mass index (BMI≤25 kg/m2) that makes diagnostic work up and therapeutic approach more difficult. These cases are referred to as “lean PCOS.” Methods: This hospital based prospective, comparative cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the insulin levels and insulin resistance in lean versus over-weight or obese PCOS patients and to evaluate the correlation of BMI with clinical parameters, serum insulin levels, and hormone profile in these patients. Patients were grouped according to their BMI: Lean group-(n=46) BMI