New research shows men with type 2 diabetes face higher cardiovascular and renal risks, while women are more prone to mental health issues, prompting calls for tailored care approaches.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine suggests that type 2 diabetes does not affect men and women in exactly the same way, with sex-based differences emerging in heart, kidney and mental health outcomes. Researchers analysed the records of 28,720 people in the UK who had recently been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and tracked how other complications developed over time.
The findings point to a heavier cardiovascular and renal burden in men. According to the study, men were more likely than women to develop heart disease and end-stage kidney disease, and those problems tended to appear at younger ages. That matters because diabetes can damage blood vessels over time, raising the risk not only of heart and kidney disease but also of eye and nerve complications.
Women, by contrast, were more likely to experience anxiety and depression after diagnosis. The research also found that mental health problems alongside diabetes were linked with a higher risk of death, reinforcing the idea that emotional wellbeing is not separate from diabetes care but part of it.
The study adds to a broader body of PLOS Medicine research showing that sex and gender can shape diabetes outcomes in different ways. Its authors say routine care should go beyond blood sugar measurements alone, with closer monitoring of heart and kidney health in men and more consistent mental health screening for women.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
