The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

4219.0: Tuesday, November 12, 2002 - 3:30 PM

Abstract #39299

Gender differences in kidney failure and ankle pain symptoms among insulin-dependent diabetics

Valerie Schade-Serin, BS, Stephen J. Morewitz, PhD, Ryan Lee, BS, Jessica St. Louis, BS, Matt Jackman, BS, and Mikol Anderson, BS. Research Division, California College of Podiatric Medicine, 100 Corporate Place, Vallejo, CA 94590, (707) 558-1313, smorewitz@ccpm.edu

Some investigations have found that men have more rapid progression of renal insufficiency than women. However, other studies have reported no gender differences. With regard to diabetic nephropathy, one study found that African-American women were more likely to develop diabetic nephropathy as a cause of end-stage renal disease than men. However, little is known about gender differences in diabetic nephropathy associated with peripheral vascular disease. This study used data from the 1998 Health Interview Survey (N=30,534 adults) to evaluate possible gender differences in kidney failure and ankle pain symptoms among insulin-dependent diabetics. The Survey collected self-report data from diabetics (N=1,906) on a variety of health and disability problems, including ankle pain symptoms, kidney failure, and hypertension. Correlation analysis was performed to test the null hypothesis that there are no gender differences in kidney failure associated with ankle pain symptoms among insulin-dependent diabetics. Partial correlations were performed to control for possible intervening variables such as age, race, hypertension, and body mass index. The null hypothesis was rejected. Female insulin-dependent diabetics with kidney failure were less likely to have ankle pain symptoms (r=-.124, p<.03, N=236) than male insulin-dependent diabetics, who had no association between kidney failure and ankle pain. Partial correlations showed that these gender differences remained significant after controlling for intervening variables. This study reveals that female insulin-dependent diabetics with kidney failure may be less predisposed to developing ankle pain symptoms that could be indicative of peripheral vascular disease and other lower extremity disorders than male insulin-dependent diabetics.

Learning Objectives: "At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to

Keywords: Diabetes, Gender

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Diabetes Mellitus

The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA