One Size Does Not Fit All: The Need for Sex-Specific Precision Medicine in Diabetes Technology

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology and Metabolism
• Reproductive Health
• Precision Medicine

Background:

• Precision medicine requires integrating sex-specific factors in diabetes research and treatment.
• Significant gaps exist in understanding and applying sex-related differences in diabetes care.
• Female-specific pathophysiology, influenced by life cycle, lifestyle, and insulin pharmacology, impacts glycemic control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight critical gaps in understanding and applying sex-specific factors in diabetes.
• To emphasize the need for greater research and clinical focus on female-specific diabetes pathophysiology.
• To advocate for systematic and effective care by addressing sex-based differences.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of current research on sex differences in diabetes.
• Analysis of female-specific pathophysiology across life cycle phases, lifestyle factors, and insulin pharmacology.
• Identification of evidence gaps in research and clinical practice.

Main Results:

• Female-specific diabetes pathophysiology is influenced by puberty, pregnancy, menopause, nutrition, physical activity, and insulin pharmacology.
• These factors significantly affect insulin sensitivity and glycemic control in women.
• Current research and clinical practice often underrepresent or ignore these sex-based differences.

Conclusions:

• Addressing sex-specific factors is essential for advancing precision medicine in diabetes.
• Greater research and clinical attention are needed to understand and manage sex-based differences in diabetes.
• Identifying and filling evidence gaps will lead to more systematic and effective diabetes care for women.