Metabolic profiling in type 2 diabetes: a gender-based approach in a resource-constrained Nigerian setting

Abstract

Introduction The prevalence and burden of type 2 diabetes have been increasing worldwide, more so in developing nations like Nigeria, occasioned by the rising trend of westernization, sedentary lifestyle, and higher consumption of refined, mostly fatty meals.Methodology The cross-sectional study analyzed data from the history, examination, and laboratory results of 200 T2DM patients and determined gender correlations using logistic regression.Results The mean age of the participants (97 males and 103 females) was 58.96 ± 8.32 years. The self-employed and middle-aged were mostly women who had a higher waist hip ratio (WHR) and worse blood pressure control than men, p = 0.01 and p = 0.08, respectively. The mean glycated hemoglobin (5.89 ± 1.89) was insignificantly higher in females than males, negatively correlated with age, but positively related to the WHR and the blood pressure p = 0.003, p = 0.01, and p < 0.001, respectively. Fasting insulin, insulin resistance, homocysteine, and the triglyceride-glycemic index were higher in men than in women, p = 0.05, p = 0.04, p = 0.014, and p = 0.03, respectively. Elevated fasting insulin and atherogenic index of plasma were independently associated with male diabetics.Conclusion Wide gender differences exist in the metabolic profile of T2DM patients. Heightened metabolic syndrome in post-menopausal women, evidenced by higher surrogate markers of obesity, is associated with higher odds for cardiovascular disease in this population. Higher surrogate markers of cardiovascular disease in women, but higher glycemic markers in men, are indicative of a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, dietary, and hormonal factors. A detailed knowledge of these differences is essential to formulate appropriate gender-based guidelines for screening, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.