Women with diabetes may face a significantly higher risk of heart attacks and other serious health complications than men, according to medical research highlighted by Indian health experts.
Although diabetes affects both men and women, research suggests that its complications can have a more severe impact on women’s health, particularly in relation to cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, depression and hormonal problems.
Medical experts in India are observing a rise in Type 2 diabetes cases among women. They say the concern extends beyond the growing number of patients, as women may experience more serious consequences of the disease compared with men.
According to an Indian media report citing figures from the National Library of Medicine, approximately 17.7 million more men than women are living with diabetes worldwide. However, the reported health risks associated with the disease appear to be more pronounced among women.
Experts from the Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India have highlighted a notable difference in heart attack risk.
According to the experts, men with diabetes face approximately 50 per cent higher risk of a heart attack than healthy men. For women with diabetes, the risk rises to as much as 150 per cent, indicating a substantially greater increase in cardiovascular risk.
Why Are Women More Vulnerable To Diabetes?
Medical experts say hormonal changes throughout a woman’s life can influence both the development of diabetes and its complications.
From puberty and menstruation to pregnancy and menopause, women experience several hormonal changes that can affect insulin function and the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels.
Other contributing factors include abdominal fat, limited physical activity, prolonged stress, an unbalanced diet and a family history of diabetes.
Frequent consumption of processed foods and unhealthy eating habits can also affect metabolic health and increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes.
Gestational Diabetes Can Signal Future Health Risks
Gestational diabetes, which develops during pregnancy, is another important concern for women’s health. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect insulin function, causing blood sugar levels to rise above normal.
Blood sugar levels often return to normal after childbirth, but this does not necessarily mean the risk of diabetes has disappeared.
Women who develop gestational diabetes are at a significantly higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.
Medical experts therefore stress the importance of timely diagnosis, regular blood sugar monitoring and continued medical follow-up, particularly for women with a history of gestational diabetes.