What is it about?
This study looks at how a common medication called metformin affects the chances of getting diabetes during pregnancy in women who have a condition called Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a hormonal disorder that can affect how a woman’s body handles sugar and can make it harder to get pregnant. Women with PCOS are at higher risk of developing gestational diabetes, which is a type of diabetes that shows up during pregnancy. Researchers compared two groups of pregnant women with PCOS: one group was treated with metformin, and the other group was not. They wanted to see if the women who took metformin had fewer cases of gestational diabetes than those who didn’t. They studied 112 women from several hospitals in Karachi, Pakistan. The results showed that women who did not take metformin were more likely to develop gestational diabetes (about 68%) compared to those who did take metformin (about 40%). This means metformin might help lower the risk of diabetes during pregnancy for women with PCOS. The study also looked at how long the women took metformin and how much they took. It found that both the dose and duration mattered — those on longer and higher doses had better outcomes. In conclusion, using metformin could be a helpful way to prevent diabetes during pregnancy in women with PCOS. The study suggests doctors might consider using metformin more widely in such cases to improve the health of both mothers and babies.
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Why is it important?
This study stands out by providing real-world data from a South Asian population, comparing pregnant women with PCOS who used metformin to those who didn’t. It uniquely examines how different doses and treatment durations affect the risk of gestational diabetes. By filling a major research gap in developing countries and offering clear, actionable insights, the study helps both doctors and patients make informed decisions. Its relevance to common women’s health issues and practical findings can attract a wide readership from healthcare professionals to the general public.
Perspectives
As one of the authors, I believe this publication makes a meaningful contribution to women’s health, especially in regions where PCOS and gestational diabetes are often underdiagnosed or poorly managed. What motivated me most was the lack of local, evidence-based research to guide treatment decisions in our healthcare system. By examining the impact of metformin in a diverse group of Pakistani women, we aimed to provide practical insights that are directly applicable to our population. I hope this work not only informs clinical practice but also encourages further research and awareness about managing PCOS and pregnancy-related complications in developing countries.
Dr. Anosh Tahir
Dow University of Health Sciences
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Prevalence of Gestational Diabetes in Metformin-treated and Non-Treated PCOS Women: A Comparative Analysis, New Emirates Medical Journal, April 2025, Bentham Science Publishers,
DOI: 10.2174/0102506882367742250314043647.
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