Insulin Resistance PCOS Treatment

PCOS and Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance (IR) impacts around 65-80% of women with PCOS, regardless of their weight. It reduces the ability of cells to process glucose normally, resulting in an accumulation of glucose in the blood (hyperglycaemia). The body compensates by secreting more insulin, resulting in elevated levels of insulin (hyperinsulinemia).

Insulin is a hormone with several different functions, particularly on the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Understanding these may help you understand your symptoms and treatment.

What is insulin resistance?

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas to control the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood. It works particularly on the liver and muscle cells, causing them to absorb more glucose from blood, where it is either broken down to produce energy or converted to long-term energy stores.

When someone is resistant to the effects of insulin, the blood sugar lowering action does not work properly and the body produces extra insulin.

Insulin has another effect; it causes the ovaries to produce testosterone, a male hormone or androgen. In most women this is within the normal range, but women with PCOS who have too much insulin may also produce too much testosterone. The raised levels of testosterone can give rise to some of the symptoms associated with PCOS, such as acne, excess hair growth and head-hair loss.

High levels of insulin and testosterone may also prevent the normal development of follicles in the ovaries, with many not developing fully. This causes problems with ovulation, so many women have period problems and reduced fertility.

What are the signs of PCOS insulin resistance?

Insulin resistance is common in women with PCOS and occurs when the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin. Signs of insulin resistance can include unexplained weight gain, particularly around the abdomen, difficulty losing weight, fatigue, and increased hunger.

Other symptoms may include dark patches of skin, particularly around the neck or underarms, and irregular menstrual cycles.

You should always consult a doctor if these signs appear, as insulin resistance can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

How to manage your weight with insulin resistance and PCOS

If you have a higher BMI and are looking for support to manage your diet and lifestyle, it is important to note that while carbohydrates are often painted as the enemy, choosing slow-digesting / low Glycaemic index carbs (like brown rice, quinoa, lentils) is important and can help with insulin resistance. Pairing carbs with protein (like eggs, tofu, chicken, legumes) or healthy fats (from avocados, oily fish, olive oil, nuts) also helps prevent blood sugar spikes.

Carbs are broken down into glucose and released straight into the bloodstream – raising blood glucose levels, and as mentioned above, PCOS women struggle to manage their glucose levels, which in turn leads to raise insulin in the blood. This causes an increase in androgen production, which will only exacerbate your PCOS symptoms.

What is the best diet for insulin resistance and PCOS?

Slow-carb not low-carb – As with most things in the body there is a balance which needs to be struck. Omitting carbs from your diet is not a sustainable or healthy long-term practice. Instead, you should be looking for slow carbs, not low carbs. The slower release of energy from slow carbs, also known as low Gi (Glycaemic index) carbohydrates, will help to stabilise blood glucose levels and insulin production.

Some slow-carb foods to consider:

Rolled oats porridge, Quinoa, Kidney beans, Pinto beans, Chickpeas, Lentils, Apples, Plums, Peaches, Carrots, Sweet potato, Sweetcorn

Rolled oats porridge, Quinoa, Kidney beans, Pinto beans, Chickpeas, Lentils, Apples, Plums, Peaches, Carrots, Sweet potato, Sweetcorn

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How does metformin work for insulin resistance?

Metformin is a prescription medication, it works by decreasing the production of glucose in the liver, a common problem for ladies with PCOS. It should decrease insulin resistance and therefore help to manage the symptoms of PCOS. Although metformin has a role in reducing insulin resistance, it does not normalise insulin resistance in PCOS and has limited efficacy in infertility and can have unpleasant side-effects that may limit compliance. it’s important to speak to your doctor before managing your PCOS with metformin. Many women choose to use Inofolic Alpha as a natural way to manage their PCOS symptoms without the side-effect or need for a prescription.

How to manage insulin resistance caused by PCOS

Managing insulin resistance with PCOS doesn’t have to feel overwhelming—it’s about making smart, sustainable changes. Regular exercise, like brisk walking or yoga, can dramatically improve insulin sensitivity while also boosting energy levels and helping with weight control. A diet focused on whole, unprocessed foods, low in refined sugars and high in fibre, keeps blood sugar in check and reduces cravings. Since Myo-inositol is involved in the insulin receptor and glucose transport, it is sensible to supplement with Inofolic Alpha. For some that require it, medications like metformin may be appropriate. However, these medications require a prescription from your doctor.

Inofolic® Alpha 3-way combination for PCOS insulin resistance:

Insulin resistance – This affects 65-80% of PCOS women. This is the primary cause of increased male hormones, which negatively impact fertility. Myo-inositol has been shown to reduce the impact of insulin resistance. However, 38% of PCOS women cannot absorb myo-inositol efficiently enough for it to help alleviate the symptoms of PCOS. This is where alpha-lactalbumin comes in to increase the absorption of myo-inositol.
Microbes in the gut – Women with PCOS have a different balance of gut bacteria that can reduce the absorption of nutrients, including myo-inositol. Inofolic® Alpha improves gut bacteria, increasing absorption of myo-inositol for better control of insulin levels and hormone balance and messaging.
Chronic inflammation – If you have high inflammation markers it is likely that you will have higher testosterone levels. A key contributor to the development of PCOS. Inofolic® Alpha reduces inflammation.

Inofolic^® Alpha

The PCOS supplement for women, for life.

£34.00