Low Glycemic Index Diet and PCOS

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Barr S, Reeves S, Sharp K, Jeanes YM. An isocaloric low glycemic index diet improves insulin sensitivity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2013; 113(11): 1523-1531. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jand.2013.06.347.


Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects 5-10% of premenopausal women and is characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, hyproandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries. Insulin resistance is also common in PCOS cases, which can lead to metabolic risk factors including type II diabetes. Insulin resistance also puts these women at higher risk for cardiovascular disease and other issues.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics did a study on the effect of an isocaloric low glycemic index diet on insulin sensitivity in women with PCOS.  While it is known that a 5% decrease in weight can improve the reproductive, clinical, and metabolic markers associated with PCOS, many women with PCOS are already considered lean. For this reason, weight management strategies are not considered appropriate for some women with PCOS.
Participants of this study made diet modifications, replacing medium and high glycemic index foods with low glycemic index foods for 12 weeks. Participants were also encouraged to continue their normal energy and macronutrient intake as well normal exercise regime. Weekly motivational emails were sent with guidance on following the low GI diet.
This study showed that through diet modification, women with PCOS are able to make small increases in insulin sensitivity.  The results of this study suggest that a low GI diet may be beneficial to women with PCOS who are lean or have difficulty losing weight. While this study is somewhat limited due to a small sample size, it does add to a limited evidence base for the potential of low GI diet to improve symptoms of PCOS.  Dietitians working with PCOS patients, or other patients with insulin resistance should consider the possible benefits of low GI eating for their patients. This is also a topic that should be explored further with additional research. 


JW

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