An Evaluation of Carotid Artery Intimal Medial Thickness and Insulin Resistance in Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Abstract

This study aims at the evaluation of carotid artery intimal medial thickness and insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome. The age group ranged between 15 to 35 years. Main complaints were oligo-amenorhoea, obesity, hirsutism and infertility. Hyperinsulinemia with fasting insulin values >30µu/ml was detected in 62.5% of PCOS women in study group. The study group had significantly elevated mean fasting insulin level compared to the control. Fasting glucose / insulin levels <4.5 (insulin resistance) was present in 82.5% of study group. When compared with control the study group had carotid artery intimal medial thickness (IMT) significantly increased and intimal medial thickness positively correlated with fasting insulin levels and hirsutism. Further studies would help in improving the approaches to the management of insulin resistance in women with PCOS which helps in betterment of their quality of life by reducing the cardiovascular disease risk and improve their fertility outcomes.