Monday, October 18, 2021

How type 2 diabetes affects men and women differently

Why Type 2 diabetes affects men and women differently

Living with Type 2 diabetes can be a complex battle. After being diagnosed, one needs to make several changes in the lifestyle routine to control their blood sugar level and manage their symptoms. Right from food choices to exercise routine, several alterations are required, keeping the health condition in mind.

In the last two decades, Type 2 diabetes has become a prominent health concern affecting a chunk of the population above 50 years. Both men and women are equally prone to develop metabolic disorders. However, when it comes to the symptoms and complications gender plays a critical role.

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​Understanding Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes is a chronic disease in which the body becomes less responsive to insulin, a hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. Either their body does not make enough insulin or the cells are not able to utilise them. It can lead to a rise in blood sugar levels in the body, which over time can affect the heart, eyes, kidneys and nerve system. The challenging part is that symptoms of diabetes can only be managed, cannot be cured. The initial symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes include:

Feeling excessively parched

Peeing a lot

Blurry vision

Mood swing

Tingling or numbness in hands or feet

Weight loss without trying

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​Who is more affected?

Type 2 Diabetes is commonly diagnosed in middle-aged or older adults. But, it can also affect kids and teens if they are obese. When it comes to gender, men are twice as likely to develop Type 2 diabetes as compared to women. As per studies, the common reason behind it is the difference in the distribution of fat in the body.

Some research suggests that it is because men accumulate more fat in the mid-section (visceral fat), they are more prone to develop this condition. Women on the other hand tend to store fat mostly in the leg and hip region, which is known as subcutaneous fat. Visceral fat is more harmful to health and is metabolically active than subcutaneous fat. That's what increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other metabolic conditions in men. This also implies that even if women are obese they are metabolically healthier than men. So, even if men and women have the same body mass index (BMI), men are more likely to get diabetes as compared to women. Other factors that make men more likely to get diabetes include alcohol consumption and smoking habits.


Complications caused by Type 2 Diabetes

Though women are less susceptible to diabetes, they are more likely to develop severe complications once they are diagnosed with it as compared to men. Even though studies suggest that women are more proactive in managing their condition than men, sex hormones increase their risk of complications. When diabetes is left unmanaged for a long time it can lead to heart problems, kidney disease, stroke, depression and anxiety. The high blood sugar level in the body reduces the protective effect of estrogen in a woman's body, increasing the likelihood of developing health-related complications.

​The bottom line

Although Type 2 Diabetes affects men and women differently, treatment for both of them remains the same. To manage symptoms of type 2 it is crucial to track the blood sugar level regularly. Eat more healthy and nutritious food, exercise regularly and follow a healthy lifestyle routine including less drinking, avoid smoking and sleeping on time.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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