Gender Discrepancies in Level of Disease Progression in Hospitalized Patients with Diabetes

Authors

Elmer L. Washington, Aunt Martha's Youth Service Center
Jay J. Shen, University of Nevada, Las VegasFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-2006

Publication Title

Managed Care Interface

Volume

19

Issue

10

First page number:

21

Last page number:

25

Abstract

Diabetes is a widely recognized and common cause of mortality, morbidity, and excess cost in the healthcare system. Type 2 diabetes is specifically on the rise, particularly in association with the increasing obesity rate. Substantial literature has examined differences in behavior across genders and potential effect on disease. However, based on a literature review, little has been done to evaluate differences in patterns of diabetes related to inpatient care across genders and to link these differences with potential explanations related to differences in care-seeking behavior, treatment compliance, and lifestyle choices. This review and analysis of national inpatient data demonstrates substantial differences associated with gender in patterns of hospital-based care in patients with type 2 diabetes. Men are more likely to be admitted for diabetes-related conditions and to present with blood sugars at extreme levels, including acutely elevated and dangerous blood sugar levels. When considering these findings in conjunction with the existing literature, it can be concluded that these differences are primarily reflective of variances in care-seeking behavior and long-term adherence to prescribed medications. Policies that promote expansion of health care benefits to include coverage for men at risk for type 2 diabetes, aggressive education and treatment programs, and expanded prescription drug coverage are necessary to reduce gender discrepancies in patterns of hospitalization and to improve outcomes.

Keywords

Diabetes – Diagnosis; Diabetes – Treatment; Diabetics; Men; Patient compliance; Self-care; Health

Disciplines

Clinical Epidemiology | Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism

Language

English

Permissions

Use Find in Your Library, contact the author, or interlibrary loan to garner a copy of the item. Publisher policy does not allow archiving the final published version. If a post-print (author's peer-reviewed manuscript) is allowed and available, or publisher policy changes, the item will be deposited.

Repository Citation

Washington, E. L., Shen, J. J. (2006). Gender Discrepancies in Level of Disease Progression in Hospitalized Patients with Diabetes. Managed Care Interface, 19(10), 21-25.