31/08/2026
Can women with PCOS have a higher risk of diabetes?
Women with PCOS (polycystic o***y syndrome) often have a higher risk of developing diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes.
PCOS is more than irregular periods and hormonal symptoms such as acne or increased hair growth. A major part of PCOS for many people is insulin resistance, meaning the body doesn’t respond to insulin as effectively as it should. Insulin is the hormone that helps move glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream into cells for energy. When insulin resistance is present, the pancreas may compensate by producing more insulin to keep blood sugar in a normal range. Over time, this extra strain can contribute to blood sugar problems, including prediabetes and eventually type 2 diabetes.
It’s important to note that not every person with PCOS will have diabetes or will be the same in terms of risk. However, the overall connection is strong enough that clinicians often recommend considering diabetes screening and long-term metabolic health as part of PCOS care.
Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing diabetes in someone with PCOS. These include body weight changes over time (particularly increased abdominal fat), a family history of type 2 diabetes, a history of diabetes during pregnancy (such as gestational diabetes), and earlier signs of impaired blood sugar like prediabetes. Lifestyle factors such as low physical activity or dietary patterns that worsen insulin resistance can also play a role, especially when risk factors persist for years.
The good news is that awareness and early action can make a difference. If you have PCOS, it’s helpful to ask a healthcare professional about diabetes screening**, which may include blood tests such as HbA1c or fasting glucose. Addressing insulin resistance early through regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and other personalised strategies can support healthier blood sugar regulation over time. Because PCOS affects the whole body, managing it comprehensively (not only the visible symptoms) can improve both hormone-related concerns and metabolic risk.
For more information on the link between PCOS and diabetes risk, you can read:
https://www.uhhospitals.org/blog/articles/2025/10/why-women-with-pcos-have-a-higher-risk-of-diabetes
If you’d like to contact the Lancashire Gynaecologist team for guidance or support, you can reach them here:
https://lancashiregynaecologist.co.uk/contacts/