Disease and the family: differences in metabolic control of diabetes mellitus between men and women

This study shows differences between males and females in metabolic control of diabetes mellitus. The 30 subjects studied (15 men and 15 women) were type II diabetics, peasants, ages 40-62, all residents of Cihuatlan, Jalisco, Mexico. Fifty percent (50%) of the diabetics were found to have poor control (as defined by elevated fasting blood sugar levels). The percentage varied greatly according to sex: 86.6% of the females have poor control compared to 13.3% of the males. Compliance or non-compliance to a prescribed diet was found to be related to whether or not members of the family participate in the preparation of diet and support the diabetic subject in following the therapeutic plan. One hundred percent of the males have their food prepared specially for them by a family member while only 13% of the females receive this type of support.