The dietary approach with the strongest evidence for PCOS focuses on reducing the insulin response to food rather than simply reducing total calories. The key principles are:
Choose low glycaemic index carbohydrates over refined or processed ones — these raise blood glucose more slowly and produce a lower insulin response
Distribute carbohydrate intake across meals and avoid large single-carbohydrate loads
Increase protein and fibre at each meal to slow glucose absorption
Avoid blood glucose spikes from sugary foods and drinks, which drive further insulin release
Choose whole fruit over fruit juice, and whole grains over refined flour products
Even modest dietary changes that consistently reduce the insulin load can meaningfully improve weight, hormonal balance, and menstrual regularity in women with PCOS. I discuss specific dietary guidance tailored to each patient's food habits at Kiran Speciality Hospital, Hassan.
Written by Dr Vineetha Kiran, MBBS, MS (Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Gold Medalist, KMC Mangalore University), Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Kiran Speciality Hospital, Hassan, Karnataka.
