Diabetes May Have More Severe Health Effects on Women, Study Finds

ISLAMABAD: (Staff Reporter) – Diabetes may have more serious health consequences for women than men, with research highlighting a substantially higher risk of heart attacks among women living with the condition.

Although diabetes affects both sexes, medical research suggests that its complications may differ significantly between men and women.

While the global number of men diagnosed with diabetes is higher than that of women, females may face a greater risk of certain complications, including cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, depression and hormonal disorders.

According to Indian media reports, healthcare experts in India are observing an increase in Type 2 diabetes cases among women. They say the growing concern is not only the rising number of patients but also the potentially greater impact of the disease on women’s overall health.

Data cited from the National Library of Medicine indicates that approximately 17.7 million more men than women worldwide are living with diabetes. However, research into diabetes-related complications suggests that women may be more vulnerable to several associated health risks.

Experts associated with the Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India have pointed to a significant gender difference in the risk of heart disease.

According to the experts, men with diabetes face an approximately 50 per cent higher risk of heart attacks than healthy men, while the corresponding risk among women with diabetes rises to around 150 per cent. The figures highlight the potentially greater cardiovascular risks women face when living with diabetes.

Why Are Women at Greater Risk?

Medical experts say hormonal changes throughout a woman’s life can influence the development and progression of diabetes.

From puberty and menstruation to pregnancy and menopause, women experience several hormonal changes that can affect insulin function and the body’s ability to regulate blood glucose levels.

Other contributing factors include excess abdominal fat, physical inactivity, prolonged stress, unhealthy eating habits and a family history of diabetes. Regular consumption of processed foods may also adversely affect metabolic health.

Gestational Diabetes Can Be an Early Warning Sign

Gestational diabetes is another major concern. It develops during pregnancy when hormonal changes affect the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar, causing glucose levels to rise above normal.

Although blood sugar levels often return to normal after childbirth, the condition may indicate an increased risk of developing diabetes later in life.

Women who experience gestational diabetes during pregnancy are significantly more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes in subsequent years.

Medical experts emphasise that early diagnosis, regular blood sugar monitoring and timely medical care are essential to managing diabetes and reducing the risk of serious complications among women.