IMPACT OF INSULIN RESISTANCE ON REPRODUCTIVE OUTCOMES IN WOMEN WITH PCOS

Yuliya Hlukhava; Nadzeya Skadorva; Vladimir  Gurskii; Maryia Bohdzel; Krystsina Babkova; Iuliia Ilina; Alicja Korpacka; Patrycja Anna Borowiecka; Pavel Proborshch; Raman Sazon

doi:10.31435/ijitss.2(50).2026.5515

Authors

Yuliya Hlukhava National Medical Institute of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration, Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7887-6937
Nadzeya Skadorva Jan-Mikulicz Radziecki University Clinical Hospital in Wrocław, Wrocław, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0008-1267-1641
Vladimir Gurskii University Clinical Hospital in Poznań, Poznań, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-3630-3738
Maryia Bohdzel Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-0920-2225
Krystsina Babkova National Medical Institute of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration, Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-9580-4520
Iuliia Ilina Our Lady of Perpetual Help Hospital, Wołomin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0008-3240-1358
Alicja Korpacka Our Lady of Perpetual Help Hospital, Wołomin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0002-3638-5312
Patrycja Anna Borowiecka Our Lady of Perpetual Help Hospital, Wołomin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0009-4861-3053
Pavel Proborshch Our Lady of Perpetual Help Hospital, Wołomin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0005-7377-1695
Raman Sazon Provincial Hospital in Bielsko-Biała, Bielsko-Biała, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-6460-8758

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.2(50).2026.5515

Keywords:

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Insulin Resistance, Insulin, Infertility, Miscarriage, Assisted Reproductive Technology, Obesity, Androgens, Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin, Metformin, Reproductive Outcomes, Pregnancy Complications

Abstract

Insulin resistance (IR) is a key metabolic abnormality in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and is strongly linked to reproductive dysfunction. However, the specific impact of insulin resistance on reproductive outcomes remains unclear. This review explores the current evidence on the impact of insulin resistance on reproductive results in women with PCOS. A systematic search of PubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar was performed to identify relevant studies published through March 2025.

Research consistently demonstrates a correlation between insulin resistance, anovulation, ovulatory problems, and an increased risk of miscarriage. This could also raise the likelihood of developing gestational diabetes and may adversely impact results in assisted reproductive technology (ART). Although obesity is often seen as a contributing factor, many studies indicate that insulin resistance alone can considerably impact reproductive outcomes. Elevated insulin levels can increase ovarian androgen production, decrease sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and disrupt normal follicular development. Interventions that enhance insulin sensitivity, including lifestyle modifications and, when appropriate, metformin treatment, can improve metabolic health and potentially lead to better reproductive outcomes. Insulin resistance plays a significant role in causing reproductive dysfunction in women with PCOS, highlighting how important it is to evaluate and manage metabolic health as a vital part of fertility treatment.

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