Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in Asian women with polycystic ovary syndrome: using the International Diabetes Federation criteria.

Background: Since insulin resistance and compensatory hyperinsulinemia are the major causes of the metabolic syndrome (MS) and are also the main pathophysiology of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), PCOS women are at risk of MS. The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence of MS in Asian women with PCOS using the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria and to define the risk factors.

Methods: One hundred and seventy women with PCOS were enrolled in the study from September 3, 2002 to June 14, 2005. A 75-g oral glucose tolerance test with plasma glucose and serum insulin levels was performed. Also, blood samples were examined for fasting triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and adiponectin levels.

Results: The mean (+/-standard deviation) age, body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio were 28.8+/-5.9 years, 27.1 +/- 7.0 kg/m(2) and 0.85+/-0.06, respectively. The prevalence of MS was 35.3%. Age, BMI, waist circumference and all metabolic parameters were higher in PCOS women with MS than in those without MS. MS prevalence increased with age, BMI and insulin resistance as determined by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR), but not with adiponectin after BMI adjustment.

Conclusions: According to the IDF criteria, one-third of the PCOS women had MS. This study also showed that age, BMI and HOMA-IR are important risk factors for MS.