Comparative Analysis of Clinical Features of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Between Men and Women

TL;DR

This study compares how type 2 diabetes affects men and women differently in terms of symptoms and health factors.

Contribution

The study identifies gender-specific differences in clinical features and symptoms of type 2 diabetes.

Findings

Males had higher weight and heart rate, while females had higher random blood sugar levels.

Females experienced more symptoms like blurry vision, edema, and dyspnea compared to males.

Gender differences were observed in socioeconomic status and smoking history.

Abstract

Objective

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and hyperglycemia. While its prevalence is rising globally, differences in clinical presentation between genders remain underexplored. This study aims to compare the demographic, physiological, and symptomatic profiles of T2DM between male and female patients.

Methodology

This cross-sectional study was conducted in a secondary care hospital using a non-probability convenience sampling method. The duration of the study was about six months, from April 1, 2024, to September 30, 2024. This study included 400 patients diagnosed with T2DM, comprising 244 males and 156 females. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and clinical assessments, including demographic details, physiological parameters, comorbidities, and renal, ocular, respiratory, psychological, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test and Mann-Whitney test, with a p-value <0.05 considered significant.

Results

The study findings showed that males exhibited significantly higher weight (p<0.001) and heart rate (p<0.001), while females had significantly higher random blood sugar levels (p<0.001). Females were more likely to belong to the middle socioeconomic class, whereas males had a higher history of smoking (p<0.001). Significant gender-based differences were observed in symptoms such as frequent urination (p<0.001), blurry vision (p<0.001), bilateral edema (p=0.007), dyspnea (p=0.012), burning foot pain (p<0.001), muscular cramps (p<0.001), fatigue (p=0.005), mood changes (p=0.001), and increased thirst (p<0.001).

Conclusion

This study concluded that significant gender-based differences were observed in various clinical characteristics and symptoms among patients with T2DM. Male patients were found to have a higher mean weight and heart rate, while female patients exhibited higher levels of random blood sugar, as well as a higher prevalence of certain symptoms such as blurry vision, bilateral edema, difficulty breathing, and chest tightness.