Lifestyle modification along with medication has improved the quality of life of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), but the treatment of diabetes in women still lacks a gender-centric approach. A recent review published in ‘Current Diabetes Reviews’ from Jothydev’s Diabetes Research Centre shed insights into the challenges and issues existing in the clinical management of diabetes and its complications among women in India and the practical solutions to tackle the issues.

Expert opinions to improve diabetes management in women were collated from the open discussion forum organized by the sixth Jothydev's Professional Education Forum Diabetes Convention which included global diabetes care experts and the general public.

According to the expert panel, the complex interplay of biological, socioeconomic, psychosocial and physiological factors in women with type 2 diabetes has not been well addressed till date. Biological factors such as neurohumoral pathways, sex hormones, genetic predisposition as well as gender-based environmental and behavioural differences must be considered for modern personalized diabetes treatment. Most importantly, pregnant woman with diabetes deserves special attention, as this vulnerable phase have a marked impact on the future health of both mother and offspring.

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