Men and women tend to exhibit different habits when it comes to healthcare treatments, and these differences end up affecting their ability to manage diabetes.
A recent diabetes study, published in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, shows how men and women treat their disease differently. It also discusses how that impacts the condition, and indicates why men have a higher risk of diabetes-related complications.
CDC Publishes Diabetes Study: Examining Men and Women
Researchers observed 100 patients with type 2 diabetes who were 45 or older. The patients lived in Ventura County, California. The data were collected by Magnolia Family Medical Center between January 1, 2015, to January 31, 2016.
The study compared differences between men and women and whether they received a glycated hemoglobin test in the previous six months. It also tested for a low-density lipoprotein cholesterol test and a retinal exam in the previous year.
They also compared attendance to medical appointments between men and women. And they found an alarming difference in the way attendance affected control of the patients’ diabetes.
Could Men Learn from Women with Diabetes?
The scientists found women had a higher rate of scheduling, canceling and rescheduling, or showing up to their medical appointments than men did. In other words, they were more likely to seek out treatment, rescheduled appointments whenever they did have to cancel, and were less likely to skip appointments without notice or without canceling first.
Men, as a result, had less control over their disease and took less advantage of medical appointments. Because of this, men were more likely to have complications, such as diabetic neuropathy.
The prevalence of type 2 diabetes increased from 1980 through 2014. Dieting, exercising, consuming vitamin D, attending regular medical check-ups and screenings may prevent or control the disease.
Similar results have been proven in other studies. Because men are less likely to manage the disease via medical check-ups, they were less likely to have control over it altogether.
Scientists hope the study urges men to seek better healthcare for diabetes and encourage care managers to work closely with their patients, including their male patients.