T2D linked to higher number, severity of menopausal symptoms

Midlife women with type 2 diabetes (T2D) appear to experience a greater menopausal symptom burden, both in terms of number and severity, according to an observational study from South Korea.

The study included 296 women ages 40–64 years. T2D status was determined based on fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels. Menopausal symptoms were measured using the Midlife Women’s Symptom Index (MSI). Various background and health-related characteristics were also assessed.

Analyses were performed using independent t tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and hierarchical multiple regression analyses.

Compared with nondiabetic women, those with T2D had a significantly greater number and higher severity of menopausal symptoms. Subgroup analyses showed marked differences in both the number and severity of menopausal symptoms in the postmenopausal stage. There were no differences observed in the premenopausal and perimenopausal stages.

“Menopausal symptoms are challenging conditions with a significant impact on women’s health, especially those with T2D,” according to researchers.

The findings highlight the importance of tailored interventions in managing symptom burden and improving overall quality of life in midlife women with T2D, they added.