Women are more prone to uncontrolled diabetes compared to men: BeatO study
Traditionally, women play the
role of caregivers in India when it comes to families and their health. More
often than not, this means that they prioritize the health of their loved ones
over their own. Generally, we don’t speak of diabetes in a specific context
with women, however, studies have shown higher incidences of diabetes in women
– as compared to men.
A study by BeatO, a digital
health platform for diabetes management, indicates that women tend to have
higher blood sugar levels or poorer control than men, by almost 8%. This can be
attributed to gender roles in a household, inequitable access to resources and
even lack of time to cater to their wellbeing.
While Type 2 diabetes is more
frequently diagnosed at a younger age and lower body mass index in men; the
most prominent risk factor is obesity, which is more common in women. BeatO's
study shows that women (especially above 40 years of age) on their platform
tend to have higher BMI, with average BMI for women being 27.5, versus that of
men being 26. Further, the study also indicates that for women above the age of
40 years, almost 67% of the population is obese and overweight, whereas, for
men, this number is 59%. Healthcare experts suggest that reduced physical
activity and obesity fasten the onset of diabetes in genetically predisposed
people.
It is also interesting to note
that while there is awareness amongst women about diabetes and the impact of
nutrition and lifestyle on their health, there is a minimalistic effort into
the management of the condition. BeatO’s study states that women tend to ignore
regular monitoring and self-management, (they monitor approximately 25% lesser
than men). It is also noticed that participation of women on health platforms
like BeatO, which enable self-management of the condition – is only 26%
compared to men (74%).
Uncontrolled diabetes also pose
risks to other complications which include cardiovascular disease, kidney
disease and neuropathy. Although both genders are at-risk for heart disease, it
has a greater impact on women’s heart health than men.
Dr. Minal Mohit Vohra, Consultant
Endocrinologist on BeatO says “While the occurrence of diabetes in both men and
women do not have any clear disparities, factors such as obesity, lifestyle,
high blood pressure and even hormonal changes contribute to the onset of diabetes.
Women are more susceptible to complications arising from uncontrolled
blood-sugar levels, especially when it comes to cardiac health. Further, women
are also more prone to unique complications of uncontrolled sugar levels, such
as vaginal and oral yeast infections along with the increased risk of urinary
tract infection. Women in menopause also face high blood sugar and weight given,
due to changes in hormones.”
Studies also show that more than
half of women with PCOS develop Type 2 diabetes by the age of 40. This is
because PCOS may cause insulin resistance that results in elevated blood sugar
levels and increases the risk of developing diabetes.
This brings forth the burgeoning
need for women to earnestly manage their health regularly, especially when it
empirical evidence suggests that that lifestyle conditions affect women more
strongly than men.
A conscientious decision by them
to better manage their lifestyle with balanced food and exercise can be key to
controlling diabetes. With the disruption in healthcare through digital health
platforms and telemedicine, affordable healthcare and management have become
more accessible.
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