What question did this study set out to answer?

The study aimed to examine gender differences and associated factors influencing glycaemic control among adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

February 8, 2026Open Access

Gender differences and factors associated with glycaemic control among adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Madhesh Province, Nepal: a cross-sectional study

NCNitendra ChaurasiaUniversity of Rajshahi MMMd MothashinUniversity of Rajshahi MAMd AshikuzzamanUniversity of Rajshahi

Key Points

The study aimed to examine gender differences and associated factors influencing glycaemic control among adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Conducted a cross-sectional analysis among adults with diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Assessed glycaemic control using fasting plasma glucose.
Used binary logistic regression to identify factors associated with good glycaemic control.
59.3% of participants achieved good glycaemic control, with males slightly ahead (60.5% vs 58.1%).
Factors positively associated with good glycaemic control in females included age ≥35, normal body weight, and regular physical activity.
In males, lower education level and retirement status were linked to poor glycaemic control, while regular physical activity and following dietitian-recommended diets improved outcomes.

Abstract

Introduction Glycaemic control (GC) is crucial for preventing complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and remains a major public health challenge in Nepal, particularly in Madhesh Province. Evidence on gender differences in GC and their associated factors is limited. This study examined gender-specific variations in GC and determinants of good GC among adults with T2DM. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among adults with physician-diagnosed T2DM in Madhesh Province. GC was assessed using fasting plasma glucose (FPG). Good GC was defined as FPG 80–130 mg/dL and poor GC as >130 mg/dL, following American Diabetes Association criteria. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise participant characteristics, and gender-stratified binary logistic regression analyses identified factors associated with good GC. Results A total of 492 individuals with T2DM (256 males and 236 females) were included. Overall, 59.3% achieved good GC, with a slightly higher proportion among males than females (60.5% vs 58.1%). Among females, good GC was significantly associated with age ≥35 years (adjusted OR (aOR) 20.81; 95% CI 8.96 to 48.28; p8 hours/day) (aOR 2.57; 95% CI 1.01 to 6.62; p<0.05), regular physical activity (≥30 minutes/day) (aOR 3.89; 95% CI 1.45 to 10.36; p<0.01) and health insurance coverage (aOR 2.96; 95% CI 1.06 to 8.34; p<0.05). Being a housewife was not significantly associated with good GC (aOR 3.66; 95% CI 0.50 to 6.96; p=0.187). Among males, primary-level education compared with higher education was negatively associated with good GC (aOR 0.34; 95% CI 0.15 to 0.76; p=0.009), and retirement status was also negatively associated with good GC (aOR 0.30; 95% CI 0.11 to 0.85; p<0.05). Regular physical activity (aOR 15.42; 95% CI 2.80 to 85.08; p=0.002), adherence to dietitian-recommended diets (aOR 10.85; 95% CI 1.70 to 69.65; p<0.05) and health insurance coverage were significantly associated with good GC among males. Conclusions Less than two-thirds of adults with T2DM achieved recommended GC. Gender-specific sociodemographic, behavioural and healthcare-related factors influence GC, highlighting the need for gender-responsive diabetes interventions.

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