Can you have PCOS without insulin resistance?

Which diet is best for people with PCOS or insulin resistance?

• People say that low-carb diets are good, but I'm not the best low-carb dieter. Also, low-carb diets don't seem very healthy to me, they are often high in saturated fats and you don't get enough nutrients. But they also say Low glycemic index diets are good, and I can easily go one one of those. I want to lose between 10 and 15 pounds. Because I have insulin resistance it's hard to lose and maintian weight.

• Answer:

  Don't make the mistake of equating a low carb diet with Atkins. I'd agree that Atkins, or at least they way people have interpreted it, is not healthy. However, In my opinion, a true low carb diet and a low glycemic index diet are almost synonymous. The glycemic index is the rate which your food gets broken down into glucose and absorbed by your bloodstream. The higher the number the faster this process occurs. Foods that are refined and high in sugar have a high glycemic index, e.g. white flour breads, candy, cereals, cakes, cookies, etc. Low carb dietary recommendations naturally fall into low glycemic foods, i.e. low fat proteins, mono/poly-unsaturated fats, non-starchy vegetables, whole grains, etc. Ultimately its a matter of experimentation and finding what works for you rather than following a set plan. I think South Beach, Mediterranean Diet, low glycemic, Weight Watchers (core, not flex), probably are all good for PCOS/insulin resistant people. If that still doesn't work for you, you should consider talking with your doctor to see if you need to be prescribed Metformin to help with the insulin resistance. This is technically a diabetes medication but many physicians are using it with great success with PCOS patients. Also, Angela Grassi is a dietitian with PCOS that has written a book "The Dietitian's Guide to PCOS". You might find some of the information on her webpage helpful. www.pcosnutrition.com