Income Levels Linked to Diabetes in Women

Women in lower income groups are more likely to be overweight, heavy smokers, and eat a poor diet. Inactivity and stress may also play a part. 

The most startling bit of information gleaned from the paper shows that out of the 12,333 respondents who were 18 years and older, 7.2% of the men and 6.3% percent of the women went on to develop diabetes or die from the disease just 15 years later. The study was done between 1994 and 2008. This is quite an astonishing figure and must be addressed, says one co-author.

Dr. Kaberi Dasgupta, another co-author in the study, says access to dental care and medical attention differs widely between socio-economic classes. There is some evidence showing low levels of inflammation can stimulate blood sugar levels which is caused by an underlying or untreated disease. The doctor also says these findings highlight but one aspect of being socially disadvantaged.

The president of the Canadian Diabetes Association Michael Cloutier had praise for Statistics Canada's report. He says, the main findings of the report confirm the increased risk factor for diabetes among people with low education and low income with women have a greater chance to develop Type 2 diabetes. He goes on to say the report will benefit everyone involved and will help to develop new strategies to address the growing diabetes problem.

Canadian Diabetes Association, Aug, 18, 2010