Women with endometriosis are nearly 1.5 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, according to a study published in the journal Diabetologia. Researchers reached the conclusion after analyzing data from nearly three million women over a 25-year period.
The study found that having endometriosis was associated with a 46 percent higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The link was most pronounced in premenopausal women and in women who were not obese, two groups usually not considered most vulnerable to the disease.
Endometriosis locations and diabetes risk
Risk also depended on the form of endometriosis. The strongest link to diabetes occurred in women with disease foci located outside the pelvic organs. The study authors stated that chronic inflammation accompanying endometriosis could play a key role by affecting metabolism.
Researchers emphasized that the work showed only a statistical association rather than proving that endometriosis causes diabetes. They added that women with the disease may be recommended earlier screening for carbohydrate metabolism disorders and diabetes prevention.
A previous finding noted in the report showed that having a personal garden next to home reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
