In the current scenario, properly treated subjects with type 1 diabetes should have a normal life expectancy. Given the intricacies of the disease and unavailability of modern devices and gadgets to the majority, outcomes in type 1 diabetes differs. A new study in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology revealed that type 1 diabetes is more deadly to women than men. The study says that women have a 40 percent higher risk of early death than men with type 1 diabetes. Women with the disease also have over two times the risk of dying from heart disease than men who have the same condition.

Scientists at the University of Queensland in Australia analysed data from 26 studies involving more than 200,000 men and women with type 1 diabetes. The study also found that women with the condition were at greater risk of strokes and were 44 per cent more likely to die from kidney disease. Lead researcher Professor Rachel Huxley said: "We already knew that people with type 1 diabetes have shorter life expectancies than the general population, but this study was able to determine for the first time that the risk of mortality is greater in women than men with the disease.

It is speculated that type 1 diabetes is more deadly in women because they have greater difficulties with insulin management and glycaemic control than men - factors that could contribute to their increased risk of heart disease. Despite what may at first appear to be all bad news for women with diabetes mellitus, the researchers found that it is not a factor in increased risk of cancer in either sex. They also cite the study as incentive to change the way doctors treat women and help them manage their disease throughout their lifetime.

Editor's note: The Gems Editorial Team is of the opinion that with strict blood glucose monitoring, timely insulin injections and healthy diet and lifestyles, the life expectancy of type 1 diabetes patients is no less than normal individuals.

Read More