Diabetes in Women
The development of diabetes in women -- who naturally experience an increase in the risk of coronary heart disease as they age as a result of menopause -- is especially worrisome because diabetes significantly adds to this risk. In fact, diabetes has been shown to be more dangerous for women than men.
Studies of women with impaired glucose tolerance (levels of glucose in the bloodstream that are above normal but do not yet signal diabetes, also referred to as pre-diabetes) have demonstrated the advantages of regular exercise and a healthy diet, which contribute to weight loss.
Both the Finnish Diabetes Prevention Study and the Diabetes Prevention Program study found that the participants who made lifestyle changes, such as losing weight and increasing the level of physical activity, could reduce by almost 60 percent within three years the progression of impaired glucose tolerance to diabetes. Moreover, the Diabetes Prevention Program study found that lifestyle changes were even more effective than medication at reducing the incidence of diabetes.
Diabetes is so serious that it actually catapults women -- who usually have a lower risk of coronary heart disease than men before menopause -- to the same level of risk as men. Prevention is key to preventing the development of type 2 diabetes. This includes a balanced diet, losing excess weight, and engaging in regular physical activity.
For more information on coronary heart disease, see:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Neil Stone is a professor of clinical medicine in cardiology at the Feinberg School of Medicine of Northwestern University and a practicing internist-cardiologist-lipidologist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. He also serves as the Medical Director of the Vascular Center for the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute. Dr. Stone was a member of the first and third National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panels and a past chairman of the American Heart Association Nutrition Committee and Clinical Affairs Committee.
This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.
Studies of women with impaired glucose tolerance (levels of glucose in the bloodstream that are above normal but do not yet signal diabetes, also referred to as pre-diabetes) have demonstrated the advantages of regular exercise and a healthy diet, which contribute to weight loss.
Both the Finnish Diabetes Prevention Study and the Diabetes Prevention Program study found that the participants who made lifestyle changes, such as losing weight and increasing the level of physical activity, could reduce by almost 60 percent within three years the progression of impaired glucose tolerance to diabetes. Moreover, the Diabetes Prevention Program study found that lifestyle changes were even more effective than medication at reducing the incidence of diabetes.
Diabetes is so serious that it actually catapults women -- who usually have a lower risk of coronary heart disease than men before menopause -- to the same level of risk as men. Prevention is key to preventing the development of type 2 diabetes. This includes a balanced diet, losing excess weight, and engaging in regular physical activity.
For more information on coronary heart disease, see:
- Symptoms of Coronary Heart Disease in Women: Women typically do not have obvious signs of heart disease, making it difficult to diagnose. Find out who should get tested.
- Diagnosing Coronary Heart Disease in Women: A range of tests are available if your risk is higher than 5 percent. Learn what these are, and why some aren't always accurate.
- Treatment of Coronary Heart Disease in Women: Traditional treatment isn't always effective in women. Learn about lifestyle changes to keep your heart healthy.
- Coronary Heart Disease: This condition is the culmination of years of plaque buildup in the arteries. Find out how to prevent it.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Neil Stone is a professor of clinical medicine in cardiology at the Feinberg School of Medicine of Northwestern University and a practicing internist-cardiologist-lipidologist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. He also serves as the Medical Director of the Vascular Center for the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute. Dr. Stone was a member of the first and third National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panels and a past chairman of the American Heart Association Nutrition Committee and Clinical Affairs Committee.
This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.
