Hi aimie. pcos stands for polycystic ovarian syndrome. It used to be called polycystic ovarian disease but I suppose the powers that be didn't think it was serious enough to be called a disease. It is simply when one or both of a woman's ovaries (and possibly her fallopian tubes) are covered to one degree or another with what are normally benign cysts. It isn't usually painful but does cause a cessation of interruption of menstruation. If left untreated over time the cessation of mentruation can lead to cancer of the endometrium. My mother and I have both had pcos and endometrial cancer. Diabetes is something entirely different. My mother and I have that too. If you suspect your daughter might have pcos don't delay. Have her treated as quickly as possible. As you might have guessed I have issues. Take care. Hope1