Type 2 diabetes: How is it different for men and women
How diabetes is different for men and women
Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder that affects people of all age groups. The chronic condition which is diagnosed in more than 77 million people in the country is characterized by the decrease in the secretion of insulin leading to a spike in the blood sugar level, also known as hyperglycemic. This later leads to metabolic disruption and inflammation in the body. Type 2 diabetes has widespread effects throughout the body due to which it affects men and women differently.
Who is at greater risk?
Studies
suggest that men are more prone to diabetes as compared to women.
That's due to the presence of testosterone, the androgen hormone vital
in male puberty.
Testosterone stimulates the growth of muscles and hair, vocal changes and genital development in men. It is present in their body in a high amount throughout their life helping in the production of sperm and maintenance of libido. But this hormone is also linked with the deposition of fat in their body, particularly visceral fat. Of all, this kind of fat is the most harmful one as they are located around the organs and may give way to several metabolic disorders. Several studies carried to understand the prevalence of diabetes suggest that visceral fat is directly linked with the development of type 2 diabetes, which makes men more prone to develop this chronic disorder. Women too have some amount of testosterone, which helps to maintain the balance of hormones, particularly after menopause.
The difference in the symptoms
The rise in the blood sugar level affects your body in more than one way. The general symptoms of type 2 diabetes may include constant thirst, constant urination, fatigue, dizziness and weight loss. These are common symptoms, witnessed in both men and women. Besides, men experience loss of muscle mass and genital thrush. Additionally, women often experience problems of genital yeast infections, urinary tract infections and polycystic ovary syndrome.
If the condition is not managed in time, type 2 diabetes may also lead to amputation, neuropathy, retinopathy, cardiovascular disease and kidney disorders.
Who is more prone to develop severe complications?
Although the risk of developing type 2 diabetes is higher in men, the likelihood of developing severe complications is higher in women. Once women develop type 2 diabetes, they are more prone to develop health complications like heart disease, kidney disease, stroke and depression or anxiety.
Diabetes and COVID
People suffering from diabetes are also more likely to develop serious complications after coming in contact with COVID-19. This risk is higher in the case of high blood sugar and unmanaged diabetes. A small study suggests that men and older adults with more advanced diabetes have a higher risk of death when infected with SARS-CoV-2 as compared to women.