Archive · 1 Sep 2026
Study Finds Diabetes Risks May Differ for Women and Men
A study looked at almost 29,000 people who had recently developed type 2 diabetes in the UK.
It followed their health for up to ten years.
The researchers examined heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure and mental health.
Men and women did not always experience the disease in the same way.
Women with diabetes may have a higher relative risk of heart problems.
Women may also need extra care during pregnancy.
Men with diabetes can experience sexual and reproductive health problems.
People who developed a mental health condition after diabetes had a higher risk of dying early.
Diabetes is not automatically more severe for one sex, because blood sugar control, illness duration and other health problems also matter.
Researchers tracked nearly 29,000 people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in the UK from 2010 to 2020.
The study examined cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, hypertension and mental health conditions over time.
People who developed a mental health condition after diabetes faced a higher risk of premature death.
Among that group, men died an average of about nine years younger than women.
An endocrinologist said women may face a greater relative cardiovascular risk, while diabetes severity depends on several factors beyond sex.
- Who
- Researchers studied nearly 29,000 people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, with guidance from endocrinologist Dr Sukirti Misra.
- What
- The study examined whether diabetes-related health conditions and death risks develop differently in women and men.
- When
- The participants were newly diagnosed between 2010 and 2020.
- Where
- The study used data from the United Kingdom.
- Why
- Researchers sought to understand how cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, hypertension and mental health conditions develop after a diabetes diagnosis.
Women May Face Greater Relative Risk
Severity Depends on More Than Sex
Cardiovascular risk
Women May Face Greater Relative Risk
The article says the relative increase in cardiovascular risk associated with diabetes may be greater in women than in men, warranting particular attention.
Severity Depends on More Than Sex
Men also face serious cardiovascular risks and should monitor their heart health; diabetes affects blood vessels and raises the risk of heart attack and stroke for both sexes.
Overall disease severity
Women May Face Greater Relative Risk
Women may require additional care because of cardiovascular risks and pregnancy-related complications.
Severity Depends on More Than Sex
The endocrinologist said it would be inaccurate to call diabetes inherently more severe in one sex; duration, glucose control and other conditions are more important determinants.
Sex-specific complications
Women May Face Greater Relative Risk
Women may experience pregnancy-related complications and need careful blood-sugar management during pregnancy.
Severity Depends on More Than Sex
Men may develop sexual and reproductive problems and should discuss these concerns with a doctor.
- Study publication
- PLOS Medicine
- Participants
- Nearly 29,000 people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes
- Study period
- 2010–2020
- Conditions examined
- Cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, hypertension and mental health conditions
- Mental-health finding
- Developing a mental health condition after diabetes was associated with a higher risk of premature death
- Age difference in that group
- Men died, on average, about nine years younger than women
- Risk reduction measures
- Manage glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol; exercise, eat a balanced diet, avoid tobacco and maintain a healthy weight