Disease That Hits Men Harder Than Women
A new comprehensive study reveals that men face a higher risk of experiencing severe complications from diabetes compared to women.
Although the overall prevalence of diabetes is similar between genders, men with diabetes are significantly more susceptible to heart disease, eye disorders, kidney problems, and leg and foot complications, regardless of the duration of their condition. Led by Alice Gibson from the University of Sydney in Australia, the research team analyzed data from a health survey encompassing over 267,000 individuals aged 45 and above in New South Wales, Australia. This data was linked to medical records of nearly 26,000 individuals diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
The study found that diabetic men were 51% more likely to develop heart disease, 47% more likely to experience leg and foot complications, and 55% more likely to suffer from kidney disease compared to their female counterparts. Additionally, men exhibited a slightly higher (14%) risk of diabetic retinopathy, a sight-threatening eye condition. These risks escalated with the duration of diabetes, yet men consistently faced a higher likelihood of complications than women.
Researchers attribute this disparity in complication rates to other common risk factors prevalent among men, such as higher rates of overweight status and smoking history. Men were more likely than women to be overweight (39% vs. 29%) and former smokers (51% vs. 29%). Furthermore, men were less inclined to adopt lifestyle modifications, undergo preventive treatments, or undergo regular health screenings to mitigate their risk factors.
Although complications remain prevalent in both genders, the study underscores the urgent need for targeted screening and prevention strategies tailored to the unique risks faced by men with diabetes. The researchers emphasize the importance of initiating these interventions early, starting from the time of diabetes diagnosis, to effectively mitigate the risk of severe complications and improve long-term health outcomes for both men and women affected by diabetes.
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