Polycystic ovary syndrome is the most common disease characterized by metabolic and endocrine disorders in women and it is also an important cause of type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. Homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance and oral glucose tolerance test are the most commonly used methods for detecting insulin resistance. Weight loss and effective lifestyle intervention play an important role in improving insulin resistance in PCOS. Meanwhile

metformin is recommended as the first-line drug for the treatment of PCOS with insulin resistance by mainstream guidelines and consensus statements. This article reviews the pathogenesis of PCOS and insulin resistance and related diagnosis and treatment methods.