Gender Disparities in the Care of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: Myth or Reality?

Abstract

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a lifelong condition requiring intensive management; however, gender disparities persist in its care, particularly in conservative and resource-limited settings. This manuscript explores the impact of gender bias on the treatment and well-being of female patients with T1DM through three real-life case studies. The first case highlights the neglect of an eight-year-old girl with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), whose delayed treatment was influenced by gender-based devaluation. The second case emphasizes the emotional burden faced by a 16-year-old girl whose exemplary glycaemic control was overshadowed by concerns about marriageability. The third case illustrates the reproductive pressures imposed on a 32-year-old woman with T1DM, whose recurrent miscarriages were met with blame rather than medical support. These cases reveal systemic gender disparities in healthcare access, emotional support and societal attitudes toward women with T1DM. Addressing these challenges requires community education, integrated family counselling and multidisciplinary pre-conception care.