Study: Men suffer more from diabetes complications

The prevalence of type 1 and type 2 diabetes is approximately the same between men and women. But representatives of the strong are more susceptible to serious complications of this disease.

This is evidenced by the results of a study published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health. MedicalXpress publication notesthat the risks of cardiovascular disease, diseases of the legs, feet, kidneys and diabetic retinopathy (damage to the retina of the eye, leading to loss of vision) are higher in men with diabetes.

A study of 19,277 people found that 58% had lived with the disease for less than ten years, and 42% had lived for ten or more years. During the ten-year observation period:

• 44% of men developed complications of cardiovascular diseases (in women the figure was 31%);
• 57% had vision problems (61% in women);
• 25% of men had leg or foot disease (18%);
• 35% of men complained of kidney problems (25% of women).

Serious health problems caused by diabetes include:

• cardiovascular diseases: coronary heart disease, microstroke, stroke, heart failure, diabetic cardiomyopathy;
• vision problems: cataracts, diabetic retinopathy;
• leg and foot problems: peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage), ulcers, cellulitis, osteomyelitis (bone inflammation), peripheral vascular disease (circulatory problems), amputation (minor or major);
• kidney problems: acute renal failure, chronic kidney disease, chronic renal failure, dialysis and kidney transplantation.

Researchers note that overall, the prevalence of diabetes among men and women is almost the same. By 2045, scientists predict an increase in incidence to 783 million cases.

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that impairs the body's ability to regulate blood sugar (glucose) levels. There are two main types of it – first and second:

1. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body does not produce insulin.
2. Type 2 diabetes is the most common type and occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or does not use it effectively.

Early signs and symptoms of diabetes include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unusual hunger, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow wound healing.

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