Why Does Diabetes Affect Women Differently Than Men?
June 14, 2022
Does diabetes impact women differently than men?
According to Mercy clinical dietitian Holly Smidt, RD, LDN, with The Center for Endocrinology at Mercy, women with diabetes have a higher risk of heart disease and other complications compared to men with diabetes.
"We do find that clinical depression is more prevalent in women who have diabetes. We also find their reproductive health differs. Men may have a lower sex drive, but females have to deal with hormonal changes and their menstrual cycles, and this can lead to higher blood sugar," Smidt said.
Smidt added that diabetes can be managed by maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, and using diabetes medications, such as insulin, daily.
About Mercy
Founded in 1874 in Downtown Baltimore by the Sisters of Mercy, Mercy Medical Center is a 183-licensed bed, acute care, university-affiliated teaching hospital. Mercy has been recognized as a high-performing Maryland hospital (U.S. News & World Report); has achieved an overall 5-Star quality, safety, and patient experience rating (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services); is A-rated for Hospital Safety (Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade); and is certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Magnet™ hospital. Mercy Health Services is a not-for-profit health system and the parent company of Mercy Medical Center and Mercy Personal Physicians.
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