Regular medical checkups indicate a patient’s level of adherence to healthcare treatment. The frequency of cancelled appointments or no-shows can also serve as an indicator of adherence. The use of healthcare services by men and women and its impact on the control of Type 2 diabetes.
- Type 1 diabetes: A Swedish study that examined more than 8,000 people with diabetes found that the rate of diabetes in men was 16 cases per 100,000 people; the rate in women was 9 cases per 100,00 people.[1]
- Type 2 diabetes: In 2013, the International Diabetes Federation noted that there were 14 million times more men affected with diabetes around the world than women.[2]
Women had a higher rate of scheduling, cancelling or rescheduling, and showing up to their medical appointments than did men, and men had a higher median HbA1c value than did women; .[3]
[1] Diabetes Care Community, “Men, Women and Diabetes: What Are the Differences?,” (2023).
[2] Diabetes Care Community, “Men, Women and Diabetes: What Are the Differences?.”
[3] CDC, “Health Care Disparities between Men and Women with Type 2 Diabetes,” (2018).
Men may have less control of their diabetes condition due to several factors, including differences in healthcare access, management strategies, and the prevalence of certain complications. Research indicates that men are less likely to seek help until problems become serious, and they often have less control over their disease and take less advantage of medical appointments compared to women. Additionally, men may experience specific symptoms and complications that are more common in men, such as erectile dysfunction, which can be an early warning sign of cardiovascular disease. These factors contribute to the challenges men face in managing their diabetes effectively[1]
Although men and women had similar health care services for diabetes, men had less control of their disease and took less advantage of medical appointments than women..[2]
I have also met with some residence form workplace management regarding the time required for medical tests and consultations with my doctor. This concern was communicated from management to me without regard for the reasons and outcomes. This reflects a general resistance to their own healthcare. It is a case of “if it doesn’t hurt, it doesn’t matter.” Men, your health is important. Pay attention to what your body is telling you.
[1] CDC, “Diabetes and Men,” (2024).
[2] CDC, “Health Care Disparities between Men and Women with Type 2 Diabetes.”
