Comparative analysis of clinical symptoms and biochemical alterations in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: assessing the impact of type 1 diabetes versus non-diabetic controls

Abstract Background Women with type 1 diabetes depend on insulin injections throughout their life. However, the recommendation for strict metabolic control of diabetes requires the administration of supra-physiological doses of insulin, which might result in insulin-mediated stimulation of androgen synthesis. Hyperandrogenism in women with type 1 diabetes may be associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This study was performed to investigate PCOS and its associated clinical symptoms and biochemical alterations in women with type 1 diabetes in the Palestinian Territories. This retrospective cohort study consists of 50 women with type 1 diabetes and 50 apparently healthy non-diabetic controls. Questionnaire interviews were conducted. The diagnosis of PCOS was based on chronic anovulation and biochemical evidence of hyperandrogenism. Serum total testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and insulin were measured by ELISA. Results The mean waist-to-hip ratio and age at menarche were significantly higher in diabetic women than in non-diabetic controls (81.9 ± 7.9 and 13.9 ± 1.6 years vs. 78.8 ± 5.7 and 13.2 ± 1.2 years, and P = 0.045, P = 0.020, respectively). Oligomenorrhea, acanthosis nigricans, seborrhea, and hirsutism were more frequent in diabetics. The levels of total testosterone and insulin were significantly higher in diabetics (0.58 ± 0.11 ng/ml and 15.8 ± 12.4 mlU/ml vs. 0.44 ± 0.11 ng/ml and 10.8 ± 4.5 mlU/ml, P