Genetic contributions to glucose intolerance in polycystic ovary syndrome.

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are predisposed to develop impaired glucose tolerance and type-2 diabetes mellitus. Genetic factors appear to contribute to the insulin resistance that is characteristic of PCOS as well as to the failure of the pancreatic beta-cell to compensate adequately for this insulin resistance. The cumulative results of studies examining the genetic contribution to both the reproductive and metabolic phenotypes of PCOS are consistent with PCOS as a complex, polygenic disorder. This article reviews the background and recent studies examining the genetic contributions to glucose intolerance in PCOS.