Why Does Diabetes Heart Risk Differ for Men and Women?
Heart disease is a major risk for people with type 2 diabetes. However, this risk is not equal between men and women. New research explores a potential reason why. Sex hormones may play a key role. A Johns Hopkins Medicine study finds hormones affect heart risk differently by sex. This could lead to more personalized healthcare.
Hormones Show a Clear Link for Men
Researchers analyzed long-term data from the Look AHEAD study. They tracked hormone levels and heart health in people with diabetes. The results for men were striking. Men with higher testosterone had a lower heart disease risk. Conversely, rising estradiol levels were linked to higher risk.
A Different Story for Women
The study found no clear hormone link for female participants. Hormone levels did not predict heart outcomes in the same way. This suggests other factors are more important for women’s heart risk. More research is needed to understand these complex differences.
What This Means for Future Care
Lead researcher Dr. Wendy Bennett emphasized the findings. Tracking sex hormones could complement traditional risk factors like cholesterol. Therefore, doctors may one day create more personalized prevention plans. This approach could improve outcomes for millions.
The team plans to study other health outcomes next. For example, they will examine how hormones and weight loss affect bone health. They also aim to study the menopausal transition. Understanding this period could clarify cardiovascular risks for women with diabetes. This study marks progress toward precision medicine. It highlights that a one-size-fits-all approach to diabetes care is outdated.
