Women and Diabetes

De: Mark A. Ashford

Narrado por: Virtual Voice

Hello and welcome to my book on: Women and Diabetes. I hope you enjoy it and find it useful.

Although the insulin hormone is the same in both sexes, women generally tend to be more sensitive to insulin than men. This means their bodies can achieve similar blood sugar control with lower insulin levels. This sensitivity may fluctuate due to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause. Men, on the other hand, may have slightly lower insulin sensitivity, partly influenced by higher amounts of visceral fat, which is metabolically active and can affect insulin.

The pancreas[i][1] is a long, flattened gland shaped somewhat like a fish. Its head is nestled in the curve of the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine), while its body and tail extend toward the spleen. Due to its deep position in the abdomen, pancreatic issues can be difficult to diagnose early. [ii]

The remaining 5% of the pancreas is composed of endocrine cells called islets of Langerhans[2]. These cells produce hormones that regulate blood sugar and secrete them directly into the bloodstream[3]

• Insulin: Lowers high blood sugar levels by helping cells absorb glucose for energy.
• Glucagon: Raises low blood sugar levels by signaling the liver to release stored glucose.

Your pancreas makes about one to four litres of enzyme-rich juice each day to help digest the foods you eat. The exact amount varies depending on how much food you eat.

While anatomically similar in location and basic structure, some differences do exist between the sexes.

Size and Volume: Studies have shown that adult females, on average, have a smaller total pancreatic volume and a smaller head of the pancreas compared to males.

Duct Diameter: The pancreatic ducts in women tend to be proportionally smaller, which may contribute to the increased risk of complications associated with certain endoscopic or surgical procedures.

In this book we will describe Diabetes in its most common forms, Types 1, Type 2 and Gestational Diabetes and explore the condition specific to the life cycle changes and special needs of women in Puberty, Pregnancy, Perimenopause, Menopause, and Post-Menopause.

Mark A. Ashford - [e-mail]


[1] Cleveland Clinic, "Pancreas," (2024).
[2] Britannica, "Islets of Langerhans," (2026).
[3] Welly, "Do Both Male and Female Have a Pancreas? Understanding This Vital Organ," (2025).