Metabolic profile of Diane-35 versus Diane-35 plus metformin in Chinese PCOS women under standardized life-style changes

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of Diane-35 versus Diane-35 + metformin on metabolic parameters in Chinese PCOS patients. Methods: Patients getting individualized life-style modification were treated with Diane-35. Metformin was added according to its indication. Within a 3-month prospective study, metabolic parameters were assessed. Results: Eighty-three patients were recruited, 45 using Diane-35 and 38 Diane-35 plus metformin. Using Diane-35, triglycerides (TG) (p<0.05) and tendencially (p<0.1) total cholesterol (TC) increased, but significant positive effects on BMI, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and HDL-C/TC ratio were observed. Other lipids and the parameters for glucose metabolism remained unchanged. In the combination group, no negative effect on TG and TC was seen, other lipid fractions improved, as well as BMI, % body fat, and all parameters for glucose metabolism like fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting insulin, HOMA-insulin-resistance index, and insulin sensitivity index (ISI), whereby the beneficial effect of metformin got significance compared with Diane-35 for BMI, FPG, and ISI. Conclusion: With the exception of increasing triglycerides, Diane-35 had no relevant negative effects in the metabolic system. It does not negatively impact the beneficial effects of metformin in lipids and glucose metabolism. Diane-35 plus metformin is effective in improving the metabolic profile of Chinese PCOS patients.