New Focus on Diabetes and Women

Posted: Nov. 1, 2004

Diabetes affects women in unique and devastating ways. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is highlighting a national action plan that reaches women through research, programs and public education to help control diabetes.

According to CDC, women are more likely to develop diabetes than men and to experience more serious complications such as heart disease, stroke and blindness. Currently, more than 9 million women in the United States have diagnosed diabetes and an estimated 3 million more have the disease and don’t know it.

“Each stage of life brings serious health challenges to women with diabetes,” said Michelle Owens, Ph.D., coordinator of CDC’s diabetes and women’s health initiative. “For instance, diabetes in pregnancy is particularly dangerous for both the mother and baby. Through our national partnerships, we have developed a wide range of programs that address reproductive complications and other serious health issues for women with diabetes whether they are expectant mothers, teenagers, working women or grandmothers.”

One such program being highlighted is WISEWOMAN (Well-Integrated Screening and Evaluation for Women Across the Nation), a collaborative between CDC and 14 states to offer health screenings, education and counseling to disadvantaged women aged 40 to 64 years.

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