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.
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
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.