Diabetes mellitus--a priority health care issue for women.
Diabetes occurs in more than 13 million persons in the United States, and approximately 60% of the new cases are diagnosed in women. This review examines health issues related to women with diabetes mellitus. The following issues are discussed in the review. The prevalence of diabetes is higher in Native-American, black, and Hispanic women than in white women. Women with upper-body obesity are at risk for developing non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and women with diabetes are at risk for developing heart disease. Diabetes, obesity, and heart disease are all modifiable by nutrition. White women with diabetes derive approximately 40% of energy from fat, which is 10% greater than the national goal. Women with a history of gestational diabetes are at risk for developing NIDDM. Women with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) are at high risk of developing complications in pregnancy, and pregnancy outcomes improve with preconceptual counseling. Women with IDDM are at risk for developing eating disorders, although not to a greater extent than the nondiabetic population. Women with diabetes are at risk for developing endometrial cancer. Both IDDM and NIDDM prevention clinical trials are in progress, although none target women specifically. Dietetics practitioners are encouraged to use local and national diabetes resources.
Tinker
L F
LF
Clinical Coordinating Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98104.
D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006292:Health Priorities; D006801:Humans; D016387:Women's Health