Author(s)

Susan Tibuni-Sanders, Shahla Nader

Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrine Division, University of Texas at Houston, Houston, USA.

Women with both type 1 diabetes and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) represent a unique population, with long term implications on fertility and diabetic complications, which need to be addressed. The studies reviewed herein address the increased incidence of PCOS in women with type 1 diabetes. The leading theories suggest that the underlying pathophysiology is related to intensive insulin therapy and resulting ovarian hyperandrogenism. We have searched the literature to determine what studies have been done to address the role of insulin resistance and insulin sensitizers for reduction of hyperandrogenism in these patients. According to the available evidence, we conclude that metformin may have a role in reducing the androgenic picture in type 1 patients with PCOS and insulin resistance.

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus; Hyperandrogenism; PCOS; Metformin

Tibuni-Sanders, S. and Nader, S. (2012) PCOS and hyperandrogenism in type 1 diabetes. Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2, 76-80. doi: 10.4236/ojog.2012.21015.