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Diabetes affects more than 530 million people worldwide, but this pathology does not manifest itself in the same way in men and women. On the occasion of World Diabetes Day, the French Federation of Diabetics highlights these differences. Cardiovascular complications, disease management, psychological impact: why are men and women not equal when it comes to diabetes?
Men and women are not equal when it comes to diabetes. On the occasion of the world day dedicated to this disease, which takes place on November 14, the French Federation of Diabetics highlighted this difference for “more equitable access to care for all”.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by the presence of excess sugar in the blood called hyperglycemia. There are two main types of diabetes:
- Type 1 diabetes is actually an autoimmune disease, which mainly appears in children or young people. The pancreas must produce insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. But antibodies attack pancreatic cells and destroy their insulin production;
- In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas functions. But due to excess weight and diet, sugar levels are less well regulated. As a result, the insulin produced by the pancreas is of lower quality and much more is needed to achieve the same effect. Moreover, its development occurs very gradually, insidiously over many years.
For doctors, diabetes is proven when the fasting blood sugar level is equal to or greater than 1.26 g/l or 7 mmol/l of blood during two successive measurements.
Why are there differences between men and women when it comes to illness?
Although the disease is the same, it nevertheless affects men and women differently. “For example, men are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes at a younger age and are at greater risk of certain complications. In contrast, women with type 2 diabetes have increased cardiovascular risk, as well as specific socioeconomic and psychological barriers that complicate the management of their disease.” recalls the Federation.
“Indeed, women are often faced with family responsibilities which can prevent them from following their treatment correctly, and they are more vulnerable to depressive disorders, aggravating the complications linked to their diabetes.”
Studies have proven these differences
These differences between men and women regarding diabetes are not simple observations. Several studies have scientifically supported these facts. Last May, an Australian study published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health reports that diabetic men are more prone to complications of the disease than women.
“Our study shows that diabetic men have a higher rate and a higher risk of complications linked to diabetes than women, and this difference remains constant whatever the duration of diabetes. explains the team of researchers.
This could be because the “men are less likely to make lifestyle changes, take preventive medications, or undergo health screenings to reduce their risks.” they add.
In 2021, Professor Pierre Gourdy, endocrinologist responding to Why Doctorrecalled that the risk of cardiovascular events was greater in diabetic women, but that “certain complications such as chronic kidney disease (diabetic nephropathy) or trophic disorders (foot sores) are more common in men.
Faced with these findings, the French Federation of Diabetics “advocates for care adapted to the needs of people regardless of their gender, in order to better respond to the challenges posed by diabetes”.