Gender-Based Disparities in Glycemic Control: Insights from Diabetes Mellitus Populations

No Thumbnail Available
Date
2024-07
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Society for Health Care & Research Development
Abstract
Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia due to either inadequate insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. Disparities in glycemic control among different demographic groups, particularly between genders, have been observed and warrant further investigation. This study aims to assess the gender-based disparities in glycemic control among a population of individuals with diabetes mellitus. Material & Methods: This study was a cross-sectional design to assess genderbased disparities in glycemic control among individuals with diabetes mellitus, conducted from November 2022 to October 2023 at National Healthcare Network (NHN), Uttara, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Data were collected from patient medical records and structured interviews, focusing on the primary outcome measure of glycemic control as assessed by the most recent HbA1c levels. Chi-square tests examined associations between gender and categorical variables like FBG levels and HbA1C. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to assess the strength of linear relationships between gender and glycemic control measures, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Among the 108 participants, males (n=30) showed a relatively balanced distribution with 53.3% (n=16) having fasting blood glucose levels within the range of 4.4-7.2 mmol/L and 46.7% (n=14) having levels above 7.2 mmol/L. In contrast, females (n=78) exhibited a marked disparity, with only 18.0% (n=14) having within the range of 4.4-7.2 mmol/L and a significant 82.1% (n=64) presenting with above 7.2 mmol/L. Among the 108 participants, males (n=30) had 36.67% (n=11) with HbA1C levels below 7% and 63.3% (n=19) with levels at or above 7%. In contrast, females (n=78) had a lower percentage with controlled HbA1C levels, with only 21.80% (n=17) below 7% and a substantial 78.2% (n=61) at or above 7%. Conclusions: Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended to develop and implement gender-specific intervention programs aimed at improving glycemic control among females with diabetes, focusing on education, lifestyle modification, and adherence to medication
Description
Keywords
Glycemic control, Gender-based disparities, Diabetes Mellitus
Citation
Eva Israt Zerin, Ferdous Chandina, Qureshi Nazmul Kabir, Afrooz Farhana. Gender-Based Disparities in Glycemic Control: Insights from Diabetes Mellitus Populations. Annals of International Medical and Dental Research. 2024 Jul; 10(4): 67-73