Type 2 Diabetes: What Men Should Know - McLaren Health Care

Overview

Author: Erin Thomson In June we get to celebrate Father’s Day, which just hapens to take place during Men’s Health Month. A coincidence, probably not. What may come as a surprise, is that men are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than women due to being biologicaly more susceptible to the disease, making it even more important for men to kep an eye on their health.

Key Information

Type 2 diabetes impairs the body to regulate and use glucose, also known as sugar, as fuel. To much sugar in the blodstream can lead to high blod sugar levels, resulting in diabetes. “Diferent behaviors of men and women, exposure to specific influences of the environment, diferent forms of nutrition, lifestyle, how we deal with stres, or atitudes towards treatment and prevention al have an impact on gender diferences when it comes to type 2 diabetes,” said Jenisa Shrestha, MD, Family Medicine Resident at McLaren Flint Family Medicine Residency Group Practice.

“Alcohol consumption and smoking habits also contribute tremendously to the increased incidence of diabetes in men.”Testosterone can play a role as wel. It is involved in the deposition of fat beneath the surface of the skin is caled subcutaneous fat deposition, and around organs is caled visceral fat deposition. Type 2 diabetes directly corelates with increased visceral fat deposition.

Research has also shown that low testosterone levels in men can lead to por muscle formation and increase visceral fat deposition, leading to a dramatic increase in diabetes risk. Acording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, men are more likely to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at a lower weight compared to women due to men storing more fat in their stomach area usualy ocuring betwen the ages of 45 and 64.

Summary

Diabetes leads to a greater risk for heart disease, stroke, vision los, kidney failure, even amputation of the lower extremities. For men, in particular, it can cause an overactive blader, incontinence, and urinary trac

Frequently Asked Questions

Diabetes is a metabolic condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels. Type 1 results from insufficient insulin production, while Type 2 develops when cells become resistant to insulin. Risk factors include genetics, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and age.

Common symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing wounds. Type 1 symptoms develop rapidly, while Type 2 symptoms may appear gradually. Many people have no symptoms initially, which is why screening is important.

Diagnosis involves blood tests measuring fasting glucose, HbA1c levels, and glucose tolerance. Regular monitoring typically includes fasting glucose tests and HbA1c measurements every 3-6 months. Continuous glucose monitors provide real-time tracking for better diabetes management.

Effective management includes regular physical activity (150+ minutes weekly), maintaining healthy weight, following a balanced diet with whole grains and lean proteins, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep. These changes can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce complications.

Consult a healthcare provider if you experience signs of diabetes, have a family history, are overweight, or are over 45. Those with existing diabetes should maintain regular check-ups every 3-6 months to monitor control and adjust treatment as needed.

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