Comparing diets to improve health in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Official title: Glycemic reduction approaches in polycystic ovary syndrome: a comparative effectiveness study
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10996151 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different diets can help women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) manage their weight and blood sugar levels, especially comparing a very low-carb diet to other options, so if you’re a woman with PCOS who is overweight or obese, this research could offer helpful insights for your health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | December 15, 2021 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $548,100 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK128205-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10996151 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women of reproductive age who are diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome and are overweight or obese.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have polycystic ovary syndrome or who are not overweight may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how different dietary approaches can help women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) manage their health, particularly focusing on glycemic control and weight management. It compares the effectiveness of a very low-carbohydrate diet to other dietary recommendations for women who are overweight or obese with PCOS. By analyzing the impact of these diets on blood glucose levels and insulin resistance, the study aims to provide clearer guidance on dietary interventions that could improve metabolic health. Participants may be asked to follow specific dietary plans and report their health outcomes over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective dietary recommendations that significantly improve health outcomes for women with PCOS.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown some success with lower carbohydrate diets in managing glucose levels in women with PCOS, suggesting that this approach may be promising.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Saslow, Laura — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Saslow, Laura
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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SMAD5 and PCOS/PMOS: a new genetic clue to infertility
A research project at Baylor College of Medicine is studying a genetic variant in SMAD5 that may cause a form of PCOS/PMOS and could lead to new ways to diagnose or treat infertility.
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TLR4 blocker for improving fertility in PCOS
A promising, already-approved drug (disulfiram) will be tested to see if it can reduce inflammation and improve ovulation in women with PCOS.
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Genetic clues to PCOS: how genes shape a common women's health condition
A doctor-scientist team at Boston Children’s Hospital is studying how genetic factors contribute to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) across women, men, and children to understand the root causes.
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Semaglutide to help restore ovulation in youth and adults with PCOS
A study tests an oral GLP-1 receptor agonist (semaglutide) to improve ovulation and hormonal balance in people with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
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Understanding how PCOS develops during adolescence
This grant looks at how polycystic ovary syndrome begins in teenagers and what early signs help doctors diagnose it accurately.
-
AI-powered ultrasound tool to help diagnose PCOS
A new AI-based tool uses ultrasound images to help doctors reliably identify polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in reproductive-age women.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.