According to a new study in the Journal of Women’s Health, the rate of hospitalization for diabetes is on the rise in young people, specifically young women. Gestational diabetes is always a possibility in young women who are pregnant, but this time around researchers found no link between a rise in gestational diabetes and hospitalization.
Hospitalization for diabetes is up 66% for the total population of the United States, but the younger population (those between the ages of 30 and 39) recorded the most significant increase at a near double jump in hospitalizations for diabetes. Some experts believe the numbers are related to the significant rise in obesity in the United States.
When the age group was broken down, experts found women to be 1.3 times more likely to be hospitalized for diabetes or diabetes related complications than men. This could be associated with the higher obesity rate in women when compared to men. Doctors also note that women in the study may have been hospitalized more often due to less effective care and impaired overall health.
The study used data gathered from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database. Starting in 1993, data was pulled involving hospitalizations for diabetes. Researchers then pulled out all cases of diabetic hospitalization for pregnancy. The results showed higher admittance for women between the ages of 30 and 39. When men reached the age of 50, hospitalization rate turn toward being higher in men.
Source: Matthew M. Davis MD, MAPP, Acham Gebremariam MS, Catherine Kim MD, MPH. Journal of Women’s Health. 13 October, 2010.