Gender based difference in glycemic control and diabetes related chronic complications among type 2 diabetic patients in Debre Berhan city public hospitals

Abstract

Introduction

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a growing public health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like Ethiopia. There is limited data on gender differences in glycemic control and diabetes related chronic complications in Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess gender-based difference in glycemic control and diabetes related chronic complications among T2DM patients in Debre Berhan public hospitals, Ethiopia.

Methods

A comparative cross-sectional study was carried out at public hospitals in Debre Berhan. Data were gathered from 258 T2DM patients (129 men and 129 women). Using Hemoglobin A1c (HgA1c), level of glycemic control was assessed. To compare gender differences in diabetes related chronic complications and glycemic control, the chi-square test and Independent sample t-test were employed. However logistic regression was employed to identify gender-specific factors of poor glycemic control.

Results

Women had poorer glycemic control, with a mean difference of 0.51 (95 % CI: 0.04–0.97) as compared with men. Alcohol consumption (AOR = 3.2; 95 % CI: 1.25–7.98), drug non-adherence (AOR = 4.1; 95 % CI: 1.01–17.54) and diabetic complications (AOR = 0.3; 95 % CI: 0.10–0.88) were significant factors for poor glycemic control in men. For women, rural residence (AOR = 0.2; 95 % CI: 0.03–0.58), duration of diabetes >5 years (AOR = 4.3; 95 % CI: 1.15–16.17), and drug non-adherence (AOR = 4.7; 95 % CI: 1.14–19.42) were significant factors for poor glycemic control. There were no significant gender differences in diabetes related chronic complications.

Conclusion

This study revealed significant gender differences in glycemic control among T2DM patients. Female patients experienced worse glycemic control. There were no gender differences in the prevalence of diabetes related chronic complications. This study highlights the importance of considering both general and specific factors when assessing and improving glycemic control in T2DM. Future studies should involve large sample sizes and gender focused studies to gain a deeper understanding of the relevant factors.