Diabetes affects not only metabolism but also other organs of the body, potentially impacting the heart, kidneys, and mental health. A new large study demonstrated that secondary health problems associated with diabetes manifest differently in men and women. The results of this study were published in PLOS Medicine.
The study analyzed medical records of 28,720 patients from the UK who were recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Experts assessed the development of additional health problems caused by diabetes over time to identify specific issues in women and differences compared to men.
According to the data, men showed a higher risk of developing heart and kidney diseases due to diabetes compared to women. Notably, these complications began to appear at a younger age in men after diagnosis. Chronically high blood sugar can damage nerves and also lead to vision problems.
The study also found that women were more likely to experience mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, whereas these conditions occurred less frequently in men after diabetes. It was established that having mental disorders alongside diabetes can increase the likelihood of mortality.
Researchers emphasize that when monitoring diabetic patients, one should not rely solely on blood sugar levels. More attention must be paid to the condition of the heart and kidneys in men, while mental health screening should become an integral part of treatment for women.