Diabetes care must widen focus, adapt to risks

Diabetes care must broaden its scope to account for the unique risks faced by men and women with Type 2 diabetes. Traditionally, the disease has been treated primarily as a blood-sugar issue, with monitoring focused on glucose, weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. However, a recent study published in PLOS Medicine indicates that the progression of diabetes varies between genders.

Researchers examined data from nearly 30,000 individuals diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in England from 2010 to 2020 and discovered that men were more prone to cardiovascular disease and end-stage kidney disease, while women were at higher risk for mental-health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Hypertension was the most common complication for both sexes, regardless of age.

The gender disparity in mental-health diagnoses may stem from differences in seeking care, but this study highlights the need for a more personalized approach to diabetes treatment. For India, which has the second-highest number of diabetes patients globally, with over 101 million individuals living with the condition and an additional 136 million in the prediabetes stage, these findings carry significant implications.

A 2026 meta-analysis of Indian studies found that 38 percent of those with Type 2 diabetes exhibited signs of depression, while another analysis estimated that about one-third of patients experienced anxiety.

These statistics underscore the necessity of expanding diabetes care to address not only physical risk factors but also mental health concerns. Treatment plans should be tailored to individual patients, acknowledging that factors such as age, family history, lifestyle, duration of diabetes, and access to healthcare can significantly influence outcomes.

Primary care physicians and diabetes clinics should be trained to identify mental-health needs and conduct brief screenings for anxiety and depression, referring patients to specialists as needed. Equally important is the emphasis on regular cardiovascular and kidney assessments in men, as well as recognizing that women are not immune to these complications.

As India's diabetes burden continues to rise, adopting a holistic approach that considers the mind and body in diabetes management could lead to more effective and equitable care for all individuals affected by this condition.