Gender differences and patterns of cardiovascular risk factors in Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes: a population-based analysis from a Scottish region.

Aim To explore the gender differences, along with the relationships between BMI, glycaemic control, cardiovascular risk factors and the prevalence of diabetes complications, in a representative population-based group of people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Methods Data were obtained from general practices in Ayrshire and Arran, Scotland for 15 351 patients. Results In the cohort with Type 1 diabetes, after adjustment for age, men had a significantly lower BMI ( P = 0.007) and significantly lower total cholesterol ( P = 0.005), HDL-cholesterol ( P = 2.5*10^-17) and HbA_1c levels ( P = 0.003) than women. By contrast, men had higher blood pressure, both systolic ( P = 0.034) and diastolic ( P = 0.0003), and higher non-fasting triglyceride levels ( P = 0.001). Men with Type 1 diabetes had a higher prevalence of neuropathy ( P = 0.021). Among people with Type 2 diabetes, men had a significantly lower BMI ( P = 4.26*10^-37), and significantly lower total cholesterol ( P = 2.96*10^-62) and HDL-cholesterol levels ( P = 8.25*10^-141) but higher non-fasting triglyceride levels ( P = 0.0002). In Type 2 diabetes, men had a higher prevalence of ischaemic heart disease ( P = 1.66*10^-25), stroke ( P = 0.002) and peripheral vascular disease ( P = 1.68*10^-12), while women were older ( P = 4.83*10^-23), heavier and had a higher prevalence of hypertension ( P = 5.32*10^-12). More people with Type 2 diabetes were on lipid-lowering treatment (84.7 vs 52.4%; P = 5.51*10^-8) than were those with Type 1 diabetes. The prevalence of retinopathy was higher among non-smokers thank smokers in people with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes (Type 1, P = 0.016; Type 2, P = 0.001). Conclusions The study shows gender differences between Type 1 and 2 diabetes that are of clinical significance and require further investigation. Follow-up of the patients included in the present study should give us much greater understanding of the importance of gender in the development of metabolic abnormalities and diabetes complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]