Khaberni - Extensive medical study results showed that the period of menopause in women is not linked to an increased risk of diabetes as previously thought.
Researchers analyzed data from approximately 147,000 women from the UK Biobank database over 14.5 years, and during the follow-up period, about 4.5% of the participants were diagnosed with diabetes. Although the incidence rate was slightly higher among women who experienced early menopause, this statistical association disappeared after accounting for other factors such as age, body weight, lifestyle, and accompanying diseases.
Scientists found that the main factors associated with diabetes were: obesity, smoking, low vegetable consumption, high salt intake in the diet, and cholesterol-lowering medication use. Specifically, these factors, and not hormonal changes, explain the higher diabetes incidence in certain groups of women.
According to experts from "The Menopause Society," which focuses on women's health, the study results can be considered encouraging. Menopause cannot be controlled, but the factors that cause risks of certain diseases like diabetes can be managed. Therefore, emphasis should primarily be on diet, physical activity, and quitting harmful habits.
