Effects of an isocaloric low-glycemic-load diet in polycystic ovary syndrome

Introduction: The aim of the study was to compare the effects of isocaloric and isoenergetic moderately low-glycemic-load diets (diet A, glycemic load = 79-105) versus moderately high-glycemic-load diets (diet B, glycemic load = 123-134) on endocrine patterns of polycystic ovary syndrome. Materials and Methods: Seven patients who were affected by polycystic ovary syndrome, with a mean body mass index of 28.7 ± 4.9 (calculated as kg/m2), were randomly assigned according to a crossover protocol to 3 months on diet A and the subsequent 3 months on diet B. Results: In conditions of stable body weight, a significant reduction of serum total testosterone (p < 0.026), dehydroepiandrosterone (p < 0.042), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH; p < 0.009), glycemia (p < 0.011), and insulin 2 hours after breakfast (p < 0.019) was observed after the lowglycemic- load diet. Conclusions: Regardless of weight loss, an isocaloric and isoenergetic low-glycemic-load diet improves insulin resistance and serum androgen levels in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.