Men with diabetes are 47% more likely to suffer lower limb complications than women, emphasizing the need for targeted preventive care, according to a recent cohort study of 25,713 individuals. Data was utilized from the 45 and Up Study, linked to administrative health records, to assess the incidence of cardiovascular disease, eye, lower limb, and kidney complications. 

Men exhibited a 51% higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) complications compared to women (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.51; 95% CI, 1.43-1.59). The age-adjusted incidence rate was 37 per 1,000 person-years. The risk of lower limb complications was 47% higher in men (aHR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.38-1.57). Men demonstrated a 55% higher risk of kidney complications (aHR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.47-1.64). Men had a greater risk of developing diabetic retinopathy (aHR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.03-1.26). 

Over a ten-year period:

The duration of diabetes (<10 years vs. ≥10 years) did not significantly affect these sex differences.

“Further investigation into the underlying mechanisms for the observed sex differences in diabetes complications are needed to inform targeted interventions,” noted the researchers. 

This research was supported by the Australian Diabetes Society Servier Research Grant and the NSW Health EMCR CVD Capacity Grant; full disclosure information is available in the published article in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, and data supporting the findings are available upon request from the corresponding author, Dr. Alice A. Gibson, or the Sax Institute.