Beta Cell Function: A Useful Measure of Insulin Resistance in Adolescent with Polycystic Ovarian Disease

Abstract

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the universal endocrine disarray in premenopausal women, These women are prone to insulin resistance as well as altered beta cell function. Study was designed to find out the relationship of insulin resistance and betacell function in adolescent with PCOS.

Material and Methods:  Study included 50 female patients, aged range 16-20 years from Obstetrics and Gynaecology department in Lahore. All subjects were already diagnosed and documented as patients of polycystic ovarian syndrome on the basis of pelvic ultrasonic findings. Level of serum insulin was estimated by ELISA technique using standard kit. Level of fasting glucose was estimated by glucose oxidase method. The value of insulin resistance, glucose: insulin ratio and Beta cell function were calculated.

Results:  Mean age of subjects with PCOS and control was 18.9 and 18.6 year respectively. Fasting glucose of PCOS subject was non-significantly decreased when compared to their controls. Serum level of insulin was significantly (P < 0.001) increased in patients compared to their controls. Glucose insulin (GIR) ratio was significantly decreased (P < 0.001) when compared to their controls. Insulin resistance was non-significantly increased in subjects as compared to their controls. Increased function of beta cell was found in PCOS subjects as compared to their controls. The Pearson’s correlation showed a positive significant correlation between HOMA-IR and fasting insulin. A significant correlation was observed between level of insulin and insulin resistance. Weak correlation was observed between level of insulin and beta cell function.

Conclusion:  It is the concluded that function of beta cell failure to compensate insulin resistance increases the risk of diabetes in adolescent with PCOS. More research is needed to define the degree of beta cell effect.