Gender differences in cardiovascular risk factors and risk perception among individuals with diabetes

The purpose of this study was to examine gender-based differences in cardiovascular risk factors and risk perception among individuals with diabetes.

The sample consisted of patients with an established history of diabetes who were enrolled in a telemedicine trial to reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. All subjects had a 10% or greater risk on the Framingham risk index. Assessments included blood pressure, A1C, lipid profile, medication history, and knowledge and risk perception surveys.

Data were available for 211 individuals with type 2 diabetes (88 men and 123 women). The women and men did not differ in age, body mass index, or Framingham risk. Only 37.4% of women and 40.9% of men were at an A1C target of <7%. Total cholesterol levels were significantly higher among women, and fewer women were at low-density lipoprotein or blood pressure targets. Knowledge of CVD was similar between the 2 sexes. However, women perceived their risk for CVD to be significantly higher than did men.

Less favorable cardiovascular risk profiles are observed among women with diabetes as compared with their male counterparts. Multifaceted approaches to both diabetes management and education are needed to target CVD risk reduction among individuals with diabetes.