NEW DELHI : While often considered to be a disease characterised by the problem of blood sugar, diabetes can have a differential effect on both men and women. Hormonal factors, body composition, genetics and cardiovascular risk are just a few aspects that can play an important role in the development of diabetes, the complications it causes and the patient’s response to treatment.
As Dr Satish Koul, Principal Director & Unit Head – Internal Medicine, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram notes, it is very important to take into account these differences in the process of diagnosis and treatment of diabetes.
Why diabetes might have a different impact on men and women
There are a number of reasons why diabetes may have a different impact on men and women because of different levels of hormones, body composition, genetics and cardiovascular risk factors. Women might have increased risks of developing diseases such as heart disease, depression and some other complications, while men might get some complications at an earlier stage than others.
Why men with diabetes may need closer monitoring
Men with diabetes can face significant risks related to cardiovascular and kidney health. Dr Koul points to insulin resistance, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol and other metabolic factors as contributors to these risks. Some studies suggest that men may develop certain complications earlier. Regular blood-pressure checks, cholesterol testing, kidney-function assessment, urine testing and cardiovascular-risk evaluation can therefore help with earlier detection and prevention.
Diabetes and mental health, particularly among women
Diabetes and mental health are closely connected. Living with a chronic condition can increase stress, anxiety and depression, while psychological distress can make diabetes management more difficult. According to Dr Koul, women with diabetes may experience a particularly high burden of depression and diabetes-related distress. He says routine mental-health screening, emotional support and accessible counselling should therefore form part of comprehensive diabetes care.
This means that managing diabetes is not only about physical health. Emotional wellbeing can also influence how effectively a person is able to manage the condition.
How hormones can influence diabetes-related complications
However, hormone and physiological factors can have effects on glucose metabolism and insulin resistance as well. Puberty, pregnancy, menstrual cycles, and menopause are some of the issues that women may have to deal with, which can affect their glucose metabolism and insulin resistance. Men also experience different types of physiological and hormone changes which can have impacts on their metabolic function and cardiovascular system.
These variations can have different impacts on the risk of complications and treatment responses.
Diabetes management needs to go beyond blood sugar
Dr Koul emphasises that effective diabetes management involves much more than reaching a target blood-glucose level. Healthcare should also consider cardiovascular and kidney health, weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, mental wellbeing, reproductive or hormonal factors, lifestyle and individual treatment responses. Recognising sex-specific risks can help doctors tailor screening, prevention, medications and follow-up for individual patients.
Screenings and warning signs not to ignore
People with diabetes should regularly monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, kidney function, urine albumin, eye health and foot health, along with glucose and HbA1c. Certain symptoms should also prompt medical attention. These include chest pain, breathlessness, sudden changes in vision, persistent swelling, unexplained weakness, severe foot wounds or significant changes in urination. Regular preventive reviews remain important because identifying potential complications early can support timely intervention.
Diabetes may be one condition, but its impact is not necessarily identical for everyone. Differences between men and women can influence complication risks, mental health, hormonal factors and treatment responses.
