New research sheds light on why type 2 diabetes increases heart disease risk differently in men and women. A study led by Dr. Wendy Bennett at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine found that hormone levels play a significant, yet distinct, role in cardiovascular health for each sex. The findings could lead to more personalized prevention strategies.
Зміст
Hormone Fluctuations as a Key Factor
Researchers analyzed data from the long-term Look Ahead study, which tracked participants with type 2 diabetes over several years. By examining blood samples, they assessed how changing hormone levels correlated with future heart disease risk. The goal was to determine if hormonal shifts could predict cardiovascular outcomes.
Contrasting Effects in Men vs. Women
The study revealed striking differences:
- Men: Higher testosterone levels at the start of the study were associated with lower heart disease risk. Conversely, increases in estradiol (a form of estrogen) over one year were linked to higher risk.
- Women: No clear connection was found between hormone levels and cardiovascular outcomes. This suggests that other factors may be more dominant in women with diabetes.
These results highlight that the interplay between hormones and heart disease is not universal; it’s sex-specific. This matters because current prevention guidelines often treat men and women the same way, despite these fundamental biological differences.
Implications for Personalized Medicine
Dr. Bennett believes that tracking sex hormones could supplement existing risk factors like cholesterol and smoking. “The results could help clinicians personalize heart disease prevention strategies in the future,” she says. The team also plans to investigate how hormone changes affect bone health and fracture risk in people with diabetes. Additionally, they’ll study hormonal shifts during perimenopause and their impact on cardiovascular health.
Funding and Disclosures
The research was funded by the National Institutes of Health. Some coauthors have industry affiliations: Dr. Clark has consulted with Boehringer Ingelheim and Novo Nordisk, while Dr. Michos has served as a consultant for numerous pharmaceutical companies. These disclosures aim to maintain transparency in medical research.
Ultimately, these findings suggest that a more nuanced approach to diabetes-related heart disease prevention is needed. Ignoring the biological differences between men and women could mean missed opportunities for early intervention and better patient outcomes.
