Health risks and new links to type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes remains a significant health concern, affecting approximately 90% to 95% of the 13 million men living with the condition. The disease is characterized by insulin resistance, where the body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot use it effectively, leading to a buildup of glucose in the bloodstream. This buildup can result in complications such as dehydration, hyperosmolar nonketotic diabetic coma, and long-term damage to the nerves, eyes, kidneys, and heart.

Recent research published in the journal Diabetologia highlights a specific link between endometriosis and increased diabetes risk. A study analyzing health records from nearly three million women over 25 years found that women with endometriosis face a 46 percent higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The risk appeared highest in premenopausal women and those without obesity, suggesting that chronic inflammation associated with the condition may play a role. This finding is particularly relevant for Black women in the United States, who face a disproportionately high burden of type 2 diabetes.