Female Sex as a Risk Factor for Glycemic Control and Complications in Iranian Patients with Type One Diabetes Mellitus

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of sex on glycemic control, diabetes complications and associated abnormalities in patients with type one diabetes mellitus. Methods: In a cross-sectional study in 309 patients (156 females and 153 males within the age range of 3-16 years) with type one diabetes mellitus referred to endocrinology clinic in Children's Medical Center in Tehran from March 2005 to March 2007 gender differences in diabetes control were analyzed. Findings: Mean glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), was significantly higher in females (9.25 vs. 8.01). Insulin dose per kilogram of body weight was significantly more in girls (0.91±0.31 vs. 0.74±0.37, P<0.001) self monitoring of blood glucose was performed significantly more in boys. Frequency of Diabetic ketoacidosis, height growth problems and dyslipidemia were significantly higher in girls. 1.20±0.86 vs. 0.93±0.55, P=0.004), (-0.05±1.20 vs. -0.41±1.17, P=0.015), (134.60±44.43 vs. 110.56±20.72, P=<0.001) respectively. Conclusion: Female sex is a risk factor in glycemic control and complications of diabetes type I and females should be managed more seriously regarding self monitoring of blood glucose, nutritional and psychological factors and puberty issues.