Frequency of Prediabetes and Diabetes among Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Basrah

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting reproductive-age women, often associated with metabolic disturbances such as insulin resistance (IR), prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Aims of the study: To determine the frequency of prediabetes and diabetes among women with PCOS in Basrah. Subjects and Methods: This is a case-control study that included 100 women diagnosed with PCOS according to Rotterdam criteria and 100 age-matched control women. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), testosterone, and lipid profile were measured. Prediabetes and diabetes were defined according to ADA criteria. Results: Among the PCOS group, 52% showed normoglycemia, 29% were prediabetic, while 19% were diabetic (P< 0.001). FPG (P< 0.001) and HbA1c (P< 0.01) levels were significantly higher among women with PCOS compared to controls. Conclusion: The frequency of prediabetes and diabetes is significantly higher among women with PCOS compared to control women. Thus, PCOS imposes a substantial risk for future development of T2D, and hence, cardiovascular disease risk. Early screening and metabolic monitoring among women with PCOS are crucial to prevent long-term adverse cardiovascular disease outcomes.