FREQUENCY OF IMPAIRED GLUCOSE TOLERANCE IN WOMEN WITH POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME (PCOS)

Introduction: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders in women of reproductive age and is frequently associated with metabolic abnormalities, including impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). Early identification of IGT in PCOS patients is crucial for timely intervention and prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study aimed to determine the frequency of impaired glucose tolerance among women with PCOS. Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Allama Iqbal Memorial Teaching Hospital, Sialkot, from May 5, 2025, to August 4, 2025. A total of 149 women aged 20–40 years with PCOS, diagnosed according to Rotterdam criteria, were included through non-probability consecutive sampling. All participants underwent a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test, and blood glucose levels were measured after 2 hours. Impaired glucose tolerance was defined as a blood glucose level between 140–200 mg/dl. Data were analyzed using SPSS v25.0, with a p-value ≤0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of participants was 29.62±5.97 years. The mean duration of PCOS was 12.87±3.14 months. Oligomenorrhoea was the most common symptom (45.6%). The mean blood glucose level was 134.81±25.68 mg/dl. Impaired glucose tolerance was observed in 19.5% of participants. Conclusion: Nearly one-fifth of women with PCOS in this study had impaired glucose tolerance. Routine screening for glucose abnormalities in all PCOS patients is recommended for early detection and prevention of future metabolic complications.