Why are men more prone to diabetes than women?

Diabetes is a long-term disease that can be experienced by anyone, both women and men. However, a study reveals an interesting fact that men are more at risk of diabetes. What do you think caused this? Check out the explanation in the following review.
Causes of Men More Vulnerable to Diabetes
Cases of diabetes—especially type 2 diabetes—are increasing worldwide. Although it can happen to anyone, men are said to be more susceptible to type 2 diabetes than women.
Although the exact reason behind it is still unknown, researchers suspect obesity is most likely the cause.
In general, several factors cause men to be prone to diabetes, including:
1. Fat in the Stomach
Men are more likely to store fat deposits in the liver and around the waist. This condition turns out to be dangerous and can cause men to be more at risk of developing diabetes.
Meanwhile, women tend to store fat around their thighs and hips. These locations are classified as ‘safe’ locations.
2. Weight
According to a research team at the University of Glasgow, even men who have a lower body mass index can be at risk of developing diabetes compared to women.
Previous research has also found that middle-aged men are more at risk of developing diabetes than women. In fact, men need only a small amount of weight gain to increase the risk of diabetes.
Also Read: Have this body shape, be aware of the risk of diabetes
2. Testosterone hormone
The cause of men prone to diabetes can be caused by the hormone testosterone. This hormone helps body tissues take up more sugar from the blood in response to insulin.
If testosterone levels are low, men are at risk of experiencing insulin resistance. The reason is, the body will produce more insulin to keep blood sugar levels normal.
Unfortunately, researchers do not yet know the reasons for low testosterone with diabetes risk or vice versa.
4. Lifestyle
Although age and life history play an important role in diabetes risk, lifestyle also increases the risk of this disease. Men are more likely to develop diabetes if they lead an unhealthy lifestyle.
Some examples of bad habits that cause diabetes include: not being active, smoking, staying up late, and eating sweets.
Also Read: Must Know, These are 6 Typical Symptoms of Diabetes in Men
How to Lower the Risk of Diabetes in Men
Type 2 diabetes is a condition when the cells in the body cannot use glucose (blood sugar) optimally. As a result of this condition, there is a buildup of blood in the body which leads to high blood sugar.
To prevent this condition, you can start changing your lifestyle to be healthier. Some ways you can do this include:
- Exercise regularly. This method can help you achieve your ideal body weight, prevent obesity, and increase insulin sensitivity.
- Pay attention to the food consumed daily. Be sure to limit your intake of carbohydrates, sugar and fat. Instead, multiply the consumption of healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables, as well as foods high in protein.
- Replace regular sugar with a low-calorie sweetener.
- Avoid smoking and other bad habits that are harmful to health.
Now, now you already know the various possible causes of men prone to diabetes. Knowing these facts, try to start adopting a healthy lifestyle and avoiding habits that trigger diabetes.
- Anonymous. Men ‘More Prone to Type 2 Diabetes’. https://www.bbc.com/news/health-15147999. (Accessed February 1, 2023). (Accessed February 1, 2023).
- Good, Kimberly. 2022. 7 Everyday Habits That Increase Diabetes Risk. https://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2021/habits-increase-diabetes-risk.html. (Accessed February 1, 2023).
- Hoffman, Matthew. 2021. Low Testosterone and Your Health. https://www.webmd.com/men/what-low-testosterone-can-mean-your-health. (Accessed February 1, 2023).
- Nordström, Anna, et al. 2016. Higher Prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes in Men Than in Women Is Associated With Differences in Visceral Fat Mass. https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/101/10/3740/2764924. (Accessed February 1, 2023).
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