Yes, diabetes has a gendered aspect. While both men and women can develop diabetes, there are differences in prevalence and risk factors.
Gender Differences in Diabetes Prevalence
Globally, a significantly higher number of men have diabetes compared to women. Specifically, an estimated 17.7 million more men than women have diabetes mellitus worldwide. [Source: 10-Mar-2023] This doesn't mean women are immune; it highlights a disparity in diagnosed cases.
Risk Factors and Gender
While the overall number of men with diabetes is higher, women often present with a more significant burden of risk factors at the time of their type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Obesity, for example, is a more potent risk factor in women.
- Obesity: Women tend to have higher rates of obesity-related complications leading to type 2 diabetes.
- Psychosocial Stress: Studies suggest that psychosocial stress may play a larger role in increasing diabetes risk in women.
This difference in risk factors underscores that while men currently represent a larger portion of diagnosed cases, the underlying risk factors and their impact can differ between genders. Further research is needed to fully understand these complex interactions.
