How Menstruation Affects Diabetes Management in the USA and EU

What's the Story?

Despite clear evidence that hormonal fluctuations during menstruation impact blood glucose, these effects are often overlooked in diabetes care.

Our latest study reveals critical gaps in how menstruation impacts diabetes management, highlighting the need for better awareness and support.

Study Findings

  • Nearly half of participants report deteriorating glycemic control during menstruation, with the effect notably more pronounced among those with Type 1 diabetes (60%) than those with Type 2 (23%).

  • Despite the impact, just 36% of women have ever spoken to a healthcare provider about how menstruation affects diabetes—dropping to only 17% among non-insulin users with Type 2. (see chart)

  • Satisfaction with glycemic control remains notably low—just 14% in the EU compared to 19% in the US (p<0.05).

  • Many women highlighted a critical gap in knowledge around hormonal effects on blood glucose, calling for clearer guidance and deeper research. Notably, those using diabetes technology stressed the importance for personalized diabetes technologies that seamlessly integrate hormonal cycle tracking with insulin management.

Download the Poster

Download the poster, including additional data showing satisfaction with overall glycemic control and glycemic control while menstruating.

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About Diabetes Research?

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This research excerpt is just the tip of the iceberg. dQ&A has decades of experience across the United States, Canada, and Europe. If you drive critical diabetes research decisions in your organization, dQ&A is the diabetes insight partner that can get the answers you need.