Association between diabetes (Type 1, Type 2 and diabetes during pregnancy) and age at natural menopause in Canadian women

Year:

2019

Applicant:

Tamim, Hala

Trainee:

Mehra, Vrati

Institution:

York University

Email:

htamim@yorku.ca

Project ID:

190207

Approved Project Status:

Complete

Project Summary

The timing of the onset of menopause can reveal a lot about one’s future health risks. Women entering menopause earlier than the age of 45 years are at a greater risk of various negative health outcomes and early mortality. The association between different types of diabetes and the age at natural menopause is controversial and has never been explored within the Canadian context. This study will investigate the association between Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes and diabetes during pregnancy and the age at natural menopause. Given that more Canadian women, aged 20-44, are now living with diabetes than ever before, it is important to investigate this relationship. Ultimately, this study will contribute towards the current academic and practical discussions around the long-term effects of diabetes on women’s health and will aid clinicians direct early and targeted care towards their patients.

Project Findings

The results of our study point to early menopause among young women living with a diabetes diagnosis and later age at natural menopause among women that had diabetes later in life as compared to those who do not have diabetes. These findings should allow for more focused research geared toward understanding the long-term health implications of diabetes on women’s reproductive health and aging.