Women diagnosed with type 2 diabetes may be at greater risk of developing mental health conditions compared to men, according to new research. The study, conducted by researchers at Queen Mary University, London, observed that about 8 percent of women developed mental health issues like depression and anxiety post-diagnosis, while only 5 percent of men experienced similar conditions.
Study Findings
The study involved nearly 29,000 individuals newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes between 2010 and 2020. The findings, published in PLOS Medicine, indicate that mental health conditions often emerge quickly for women, especially younger women aged 16 to 39, following a diabetes diagnosis. This contrasts with the usual focus of diabetes care, which prioritizes blood sugar and cardiovascular risks.
Lead researcher Fabiola Eto suggests that mental health issues may complicate self-care, such as adhering to medication schedules or maintaining appointments. These challenges can lead to ‘significant consequences’, making this a key area for future research.
Gender Differences in Health Outcomes
The study further found that men were more prone to developing cardiovascular and kidney diseases. This could be linked to hormonal differences, with estrogen potentially offering women protection against heart disease prior to menopause, while testosterone might exacerbate kidney damage in men with diabetes.
Despite the study’s insights, it stops short of establishing a causal link between diabetes and mental health issues. Elizabeth Beverly, a professor at Ohio University, and Jeffrey Gonzalez from Yeshiva University emphasize the bi-directional relationship between diabetes and mental health, highlighting that the conditions can influence each other reciprocally.
Challenges in Managing Diabetes
Previous research, like a 2023 review in The Lancet, reports high rates of mental health problems among those with diabetes. These issues include anxiety over low blood sugar, emotional strain from disease management, and lifestyle challenges such as maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise. Additional stressors like financial or housing instability can further compound these burdens.
William Polonsky of the Behavioral Diabetes Institute points out the stigma surrounding diabetes, noting that managing the disease can be ‘psychologically challenging’ for many.
Understanding Women’s Higher Risk
Experts are uncertain why women are at a higher risk for mental health conditions post-diabetes diagnosis compared to men. Gonzalez suggests this may reflect broader trends where women, regardless of having diabetes, report higher rates of anxiety and depression. Social stigma and women’s possibly greater engagement with healthcare services might also influence these findings.
Need for Integrated Care
Experts advocate for integrating psychosocial care into standard diabetes treatment. Elizabeth Beverly advises healthcare professionals to screen diabetics for depression and anxiety annually and act on positive findings with further assessment and appropriate treatment.
Gonzalez underscores the importance of understanding the development of mental health issues in diabetes patients as these can significantly affect mortality risks. Polonsky calls for clinicians to recognize their patients as individuals rather than focusing solely on glucose levels or weight.
Eto, F et al. (2026) Sex differences in trajectories to cardio-renal and mental health outcomes following the onset of type 2 diabetes: An observational cohort study in the UK. PLOS Medicine. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1005196