Gender: Does it have role has a role in glycaemic control and diabetic distress in type 2 diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus is a global epidemic with rapidly rising incidence all over the world. There is clear evidence of effect of obesity, exercise, drug adherence, and presence of comorbid conditions, on level of diabetic control. But there is no clear data regarding effect of gender on glycemic control, with conflicting data from different studies. In India, in particular, there are very few such studies till date. Literature suggests that diabetic control depends on various variables and that younger patients, women, and those with comorbidities require particular clinical attention to reduce diabetic-distress and its negative impact on prognosis. Our study aims at comparing differences in glycemic control between men and women with emphasis on diabetes distress in each gender. Method - A systematic random sample (every third patient) of 360 patients was selected from all patients with type 2 diabetes who attended our general hospital over a period of 6 months in 2012. Informed verbal consent was taken from participants. Ethical clearance was obtained in prior. Personal interview regarding variables with respect to the disease was held. The patients were assessed for glycemic control (HbA1c) and diabetes distress. Results - 55% males and 67% females had significant diabetic distress, the difference in distress between both sexes was found to be statistically significant (p=0.0233). 45% males and 58% females had poor glycaemic control. the difference between two genders with regard to poor glycaemic control was found statistically significant (p=0.0197%). Conclusions - Diabetes is considered a social stigma for females in rural India which make them have low awareness about their disease, its complications, adherence to medication and other self care practices. This may contribute to poor glycemic control, which highlights the need for health education