Diabetes and polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS, formerly PCOS) are common medical conditions. The two are linked, and problems with insulin can characterize both conditions.
Approximately
People with PMOS are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
Keep reading for more information about how these conditions relate. We also describe the treatments for both diabetes and PMOS.
In May 2026, global experts officially changed the name for PCOS to polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS). Experts say the name change more accurately reflects the condition as something that affects the whole body.
You may see both terms used, as rollout of the new term is expected to take several years, with full integration into international guidelines and insurance documentation by 2028.
PCMOS is a common condition that involves small cysts forming on the ovaries. These cysts can impair ovulation and affect menstruation and fertility. PMOS is related to an imbalance of hormones, including the hormone insulin.
Diabetes affects the body’s ability to create or use insulin. Type 1 diabetes results from an absence of this hormone, while type 2 develops due to insulin resistance. The body may produce less insulin, and the hormone may be less effective. Lifestyle factors can influence the development of type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is much more common than type 1, and it usually occurs in people who are overweight or have obesity.
Research suggests that people with PMOS have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. A person with PMOS is more likely to have insulin resistance, a risk factor for this type of diabetes.
A range of evidence points to the link between PMOS and diabetes:
- According to the
Office on Women’s Health , around half of those with PMOS develop either diabetes or prediabetes before the age of 40. - Research from 2017 suggests that people with PMOS are four times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than similar peers without the disorder.
- A study of around 8,000 females found that those with PMOS had a much higher risk of developing gestational or type 2 diabetes. The researchers note that this finding was independent of body mass.
- According to a review from 2016, various other studies have found a link between type 2 diabetes and PMOS.
The medical community is uncertain of the exact cause of PMOS. However, doctors believe that high levels of insulin can play a role. High levels of this hormone can also increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Having excess body weight is a common risk factor for both PMOS and type 2 diabetes.
The majority of people who develop this type of diabetes are overweight or have obesity.
However, some of the studies above suggest that people with PMOS have a strong risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes regardless of their weight, diet, and level of exercise.
Women with PMOS also have an increased risk of gestational diabetes, which develops during pregnancy.
Overall, women with PMOS should have regular diabetes screenings.
It can help to be aware of the warning symptoms of diabetes, such as:
- fatigue
- blurry vision
- a frequent need to urinate
- frequent urination at night
- increased thirst
- increased hunger
- patches of especially dark skin
- cuts that do not heal quickly
- numbness in the hands or feet
To help treat both diabetes and PMOS, doctors usually recommend eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly.
A healthful diet consists of:
People with PMOS and diabetes should limit their intake of foods such as:
- processed meats
- trans fats
- simple carbohydrates, such as sugar, white flour, white bread, white pasta, and white rice
- fast food and other processed foods
- low fat foods that substitute sugar for fat
People with diabetes or prediabetes and PMOS also benefit from getting more exercise. An increase in physical activity can help a person lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. It can also help the body process and use blood sugar, or blood glucose.
As the body starts to processes more blood glucose, it may also produce enough insulin to meet a person’s needs. As the body regulates blood glucose levels naturally, a person with diabetes may be able to take less medication.
Treatments for type 2 diabetes can include medication that helps the body’s insulin work more effectively and lower levels of blood glucose. A doctor may also recommend insulin injections.
Treatment for PMOS typically involves using birth control pills. These can help regulate the menstrual cycle and hormone levels, reducing PMOS symptoms.
Metformin is a common treatment for type 2 diabetes. It may also help treat PMOS symptoms because it reduces insulin resistance.
Some researchers suggest that women who have PMOS and become pregnant should talk to their doctors about more frequent testing for gestational diabetes. These researchers noted an increased risk of gestational diabetes among women with PMOS.
However, authors of a more recent
Still, a woman with PMOS should talk to her doctor about the risks of developing diabetes during pregnancy. The doctor will determine the best rate of screening for each individual.
Women with PMOS have an increased risk of other pregnancy complications, including pregnancy loss, hypertension, preeclampsia, and preterm birth.
Researchers agree that PMOS and diabetes are linked: People with PMOS are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than similar people who do not have PMOS.
A person can help treat both conditions by taking medications, such as metformin, and by making certain lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, eating a healthful diet, and exercising regularly.
Any woman with PMOS who is pregnant or planning a pregnancy should talk to a doctor about complications associated with PMOS, including gestational diabetes.