Gender differences in diabetes self-care in adults with type 1 diabetes: Findings from the T1D Exchange clinic registry

Aims

To evaluate gender differences in diabetes self-care components including glycemic, blood pressure and lipid control, utilization of diabetes technologies and acute diabetes complications in adults with type 1 diabetes.

Methods

A total of 9,481 participants >18 years were included in the analysis, 53% were female. Variables of interest included glycemic control measured by HbA1c, systolic/diastolic blood pressures, presence of dyslipidemia, insulin delivery modality, and rates of acute complications.

Results

Glycemic control was similar in women and men (mean HbA1c in both groups: 8.1%?±?1.6% (64?±?16 mmol/mol), (p?=?0.54). More women used insulin pump therapy (66% vs. 59%, p?<?0.001) but use of sensor technology was similar (p?<?=?0.42). Women had higher rates of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) (5% vs. 3%, p?<?0.001) and eating disorders (1.7% vs. 0.1%, p?<?0.001). Severe hypoglycemia rates were not different between men and women (p?=?0.42). Smoking (6% vs 4%, p?<?0.001), systolic (125?±?14.2 vs. 121?±?14.4, p?<?0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (73.3?±?9.5 vs. 72.2?±?9.3, p?<?0.001) and rate of dyslipidemia (28% vs. 23%, p?<?0.001) were higher in men.

Conclusion

While glycemic control in type 1 diabetes was similar regardless of gender, rates of DKA and eating disorders were higher in women while rates of smoking, hypertension and dyslipidemia were higher in men.