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J. Samuel KAMANDA,
Atul Khajuria,
Eric Kwasi Elliason,
Stephen Monday,
- Research Fellow, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Desh Bhagat University, Punjab, Punjab, India
- Director, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Desh Bhagat University, Punjab, Punjab, India
- Research Fellow, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Desh Bhagat University, Punjab, Punjab, India
- Research Fellow, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Desh Bhagat University, Punjab, Punjab, India
Abstract
Background: Diabetes Mellitus remains a major public health issue in India, with disproportionate burdens observed in North India and among women. Objectives: To examine gender and residence-based disparities in glycemic control, medication adherence, and healthcare access among adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) in North India. Page 2 of 7 Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 800 adults with T2DM across five North Indian states. Data on clinical parameters, healthcare access, and behavioral factors were collected. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess associations across gender and urban-rural residence. Results: Women had significantly higher mean HbA1c levels compared to men (8.5% vs. 7.8%, p<0.001), lower medication adherence (54% vs. 68%, p=0.003), and reduced access to specialist care (58% vs. 72%, p=0.01). Rural women showed the greatest disparities, with higher HbA1c levels (9.0% vs. 8.2%, p=0.002), reduced access to glucose monitoring (18% vs. 45%, p<0.001), and higher economic constraints (78% earning <₹10,000/month). Social norms, economic dependency, and urban-rural divides emerged as significant barriers to care. Conclusion: Substantial gender and geographic disparities exist in diabetes management in North India, particularly among rural women. Targeted gender-sensitive policies and equitable healthcare resource distribution are crucial to improving outcomes.
Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus, Gender Disparities, Glycemic Control, Healthcare Access, North India, Urban-Rural Differences
[This article belongs to Research and Reviews: A Journal of Health Professions ]
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Research and Reviews: A Journal of Health Professions
| Volume | 16 | |
| Issue | 02 | |
| Received | 05/05/2026 | |
| Accepted | 21/05/2026 | |
| Published | 24/08/2026 | |
| Publication Time | 111 Days |