A diet with a low glycaemic index (GI) can improve insulin sensitivity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a study from Australia has found. A total of 96 overweight or obese women with PCOS were randomised to a low-fat, low-GI diet or a nutritionally similar, but average GI, conventional healthy diet. They were followed up for 12 months or until they had reduced their weight by 7%. The women received dietetic support, menus and shopping lists, and free provision of certain carbohydrates. 'It seems clear that low GI nutrition can significantly improve insulin sensitivity. However, even with regular dietetic input and free food the drop out rate was significant in this study. Translating the science into an effective clinical intervention remains a problem.'