A recent study has shed light on significant sex differences in cardiometabolic risks among adults diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). The findings underscore a critical need for tailored prevention and management strategies that account for these variations, aiming to improve health outcomes for both men and women living with the condition.
The study conducted by a team of researchers from UoN titled “Sex differences in Cardiometabolic risk in adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus attending a regional referral hospital in Kenya: A cross-sectional study,” shed light on different social determinants in men and women with T2DM that increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Globally, diabetes remains a major health challenge, with T2DM being the most prevalent form. This condition is strongly linked to a lot of risk factors, including high blood pressure, obesity, abnormal cholesterol levels, and insulin resistance, all of which substantially increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality.
The research observed notable differences between men and women in sociodemographic characteristics, this study pointed to the influence of factors such as employment status and marital status on cardiometabolic risk. For instance, male participants were more likely to be employed and hold higher employment positions, this further increased their access to healthcare and ability to manage their diabetic condition.
On the other hand, a higher proportion of female participants were widowed, divorced, or single, which could affect the social support available for self-management of their diabetic condition thereby increasing the risk to developing cardiovascular diseases. The study also noted that hypertension was prevalent among the majority of participants.
The findings of this study emphasize that social determinants of health play a crucial role in managing cardiometabolic risks in diabetes.
This therefore, underscores the need for a comprehensive approach. The study recommends that integrating biological and gendered determinants, is essential for effectively addressing these sex-based disparities in cardiometabolic risks within the context of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus care. This approach could help shape national strategies for universal health coverage in diabetes care.
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