Karakas, S.E. Reactive Hypoglycemia: A Trigger for Nutrient-Induced Endocrine and Metabolic Responses in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Journal of Clinical Medicine 2023, 12, 7252, doi:10.3390/jcm12237252.
Karakas, S.E. Reactive Hypoglycemia: A Trigger for Nutrient-Induced Endocrine and Metabolic Responses in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Journal of Clinical Medicine 2023, 12, 7252, doi:10.3390/jcm12237252.
Karakas, S.E. Reactive Hypoglycemia: A Trigger for Nutrient-Induced Endocrine and Metabolic Responses in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Journal of Clinical Medicine 2023, 12, 7252, doi:10.3390/jcm12237252.
Karakas, S.E. Reactive Hypoglycemia: A Trigger for Nutrient-Induced Endocrine and Metabolic Responses in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Journal of Clinical Medicine 2023, 12, 7252, doi:10.3390/jcm12237252.
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an insulin resistant state, compensated by hyperinsulinemia. More than 50% of the women with PCOS are obese, and/or have metabolic syndrome. Weight loss improves both metabolic and reproductive outcomes. Not only the energy content, but also the nutrient composition of a diet may be important. This article will present a series of studies from our research comparing effects of dietary protein vs. simple-carbohydrates (CHO). Results of the acute challenge studies demonstrate that simple-CHO intake causes reactive hypoglycemia in one third of the women with PCOS, especially among obese and insulin resistant individuals. Symptoms of hypoglycemia are associated with secretion of cortisol and adrenal androgens. Simple-CHO suppresses the hunger signal ghrelin for a shorter period. During weight loss, women who receive protein supplementation achieve larger amounts of weight- and fat-mass losses. Amino acid compositions of the protein supplements do not affect the improvements in weight and insulin resistance. It is plausible that simple-CHO intake leads to weight gain, or interferes with weight-loss, by causing reactive hypoglycemia, triggering adrenal steroid secretion, and leading to snacking. Since obese women with PCOS are more susceptible to reactive hypoglycemia, a vicious cycle establishes. Restriction of simple-CHO may break this cycle.
Medicine and Pharmacology, Endocrinology and Metabolism
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.