Researchers have long suspected a link between PMOS (formerly PCOS) and type 2 diabetes. Learn why experts believe these conditions are related.

Researchers believe that insulin resistance may play a role in the link between polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS, formerly PCOS) and type 2 diabetes.

Estimates of PMOS prevalence vary widely. The condition is reported to affect an estimated 2.2% to 26% of women worldwide.

This article looks at how PMOS and type 2 diabetes might be related and whether PMOS influences the development of diabetes.

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.

Some theories suggest that insulin resistance can create an negative reaction involving the endocrine system and, in this way, can contribute to type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the cells of your body become resistant to insulin, when your body produces an unusual amount of insulin, or when both of these effects happen.

More than 38 million Americans have some form of diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

While type 2 diabetes is typically preventable or manageable through physical activity and an appropriate diet, a 2017 study suggests that PMOS is a strong independent risk factor for the development of diabetes.

In fact, women who experience PMOS in young adulthood have an elevated risk of developing diabetes and, potentially, fatal heart problems later in life.

In a 2014 study, researchers collected data from more than 8,000 women and found that those who had PMOS were 4 to 8.8 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those who did not have PMOS. Obesity was an important risk factor.

In an older 2001 study involving 30 premenopausal women with type 2 diabetes, about 27% of the participants also had PMOS.

A 2017 study of Danish women found that those with PMOS were four times as likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Women with PMOS also tended to receive a diabetes diagnosis 4 years earlier than women without PMOS.

Having recognized this connection, experts recommend that women with PMOS get screened for type 2 diabetes earlier and more often than women without PMOS.

Multiple studies have also shown that PMOS and its symptoms are frequently found in women who have type 1 diabetes.

Regular exercise is crucial for keeping your body healthy, especially if you’re living with type 2 diabetes or obesity. Exercise has also been shown to help with symptoms associated with PMOS.

Exercise can help regulate your blood sugar, help with weight management, and help your cells become more sensitive to insulin. Improved insulin sensitivity allows your body to use insulin more effectively, which is beneficial whether you have diabetes or PMOS.

A nutritious diet is also key to managing your weight and helping to reduce your risk of developing diabetes. If possible, make sure your diet includes a good balance of the following foods:

Specific treatments for diabetes and PMOS may complement or offset one another.

For instance, birth control pills can be used as a treatment for PMOS. They can help regulate menstruation and clear up acne in some cases. But some birth control pills may also increase your blood sugar levels, which can be a problem if you’re at risk of developing diabetes.

In these cases, a doctor may prescribe metformin (Glucophage, Glumetza), a first-line medication for type 2 diabetes, to help treat insulin resistance in PMOS.

PMOS can cause the following symptoms:

PMOS can also affect fertility, making it more difficult for you to become pregnant.

Often, healthcare professionals first suspect PMOS when they see multiple follicles in the ovaries during an ultrasound.

If you have PMOS or diabetes, you can talk with your doctor about which treatment options will work best for your situation.

Medications and certain lifestyle habits can help you manage one or both of these conditions.