The Role of Diet, Glycaemic Index and Glucose Control in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Management and Mechanisms of Progression.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder with several causal pathways including impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance (IR), compensatory hyperinsulinemia and excess androgens (hyperandrogenism). This heterogeneous condition causes a range of reproductive, metabolic and psychological implications, the severity of which can differ between individuals depending on factors such as age, diet, ethnicity, genetics, medication, contraceptive use, adiposity, and Body Mass Index (BMI).

RECENT FINDINGS: Dietary interventions that focus on a low glycaemic index and glucose control are an efficient first-line dietary solution for the management of impaired glucose tolerance and IR, which subsequently improves weight management, quality of life and PCOS-related symptoms in individuals with this condition. This review aims to explore the relevance of nutrition and more specifically, the association of glycaemic index and glycaemic load with PCOS, as well as to assess the potential benefits of manipulating those indexes in the dietary approach for this syndrome.