The androgenic profile of women with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the androgenic profile of women with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

STUDY DESIGN

This case-control study evaluated the clinical, hormonal and ultrasonographic characteristics of women of reproductive age with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and compared them with those of age- and weight-matched controls. Radioimmunoassays were used for total testosterone, estradiol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and androstenedione. Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were analyzed by fluoroimmunoassays. Ovarian appearance and volume were assessed by transvaginal or transabdominal ultrasonography.

RESULTS

The prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome was higher in diabetic patients than in the general population as reported earlier. Hirsutism was also more prevalent in diabetic patients (p < 0.05). The serum levels of FSH, LH, estradiol, total testosterone, androstenedione and DHEAS were significantly higher in diabetic patients than in the control group (p < 0.05). In contrast, the levels of SHBG were lower in diabetic patients (p < 0.05). The rates of ultrasonographically apparent polycystic ovaries and greater ovarian volumes were also higher in diabetic patients (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Women with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus seem to have biochemical and clinical hyperandrogenism when compared with nondiabetic controls.