Menopause in type 1 diabetic women: is it premature?

Cardiovascular health and the menopause, metabolic health

Estrogen depletion following menopause predisposes to increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), mainly due to ischemic heart disease. This is mostly evident in cases with premature menopause. The pathophysiological basis for this atherosclerotic process is the accumulation of several risk factors, such as abdominal obesity, atherogenic dyslipidemia, insulin resistance and arterial hypertension. The presence of vasomotor symptoms may further augment this risk, especially in women younger than 60 years. Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) exerts many beneficial effects on lipid profile and glucose homeostasis as well as direct arterial effects, and may reduce CVD risk if initiated promptly (i.e.,<60 years or within ten years of the final menstrual period). Transdermal estradiol and micronized progesterone or dydrogesterone are the safest regimens in terms of venous thromboembolic events (VTE) and breast cancer risk. In any case, an individualized approach, taking into account the patient's total CVD, VTE and breast cancer risk, is recommended.

The role of apelinergic system in metabolism and reproductive system in normal and pathological conditions: an overview

Lifestyle changes have made metabolic disorders as one of the major threats to life. Growing evidence demonstrates that obesity and diabetes disrupt the reproductive system by affecting the gonads and the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. Apelin, an adipocytokine, and its receptor (APJ) are broadly expressed in the hypothalamus nuclei, such as paraventricular and supraoptic, where gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is released, and all three lobes of the pituitary, indicating that apelin is involved in the control of reproductive function. Moreover, apelin affects food intake, insulin sensitivity, fluid homeostasis, and glucose and lipid metabolisms. This review outlined the physiological effects of the apelinergic system, the relationship between apelin and metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity, as well as the effect of apelin on the reproductive system in both gender. The apelin-APJ system can be considered a potential therapeutic target in the management of obesity-associated metabolic dysfunction and reproductive disorders.

Menopause and diabetes

In the last 20 years, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has tripled in adults aged 20-79 years, affecting more than 25% of people over 50 years of age and especially women during menopause. After the menopause transition, women gain weight, increasing abdominal fat and decreasing lean body mass, with a significant reduction in energy expenditure. Increased insulin resistance and hyperinsulinism characterize this period, aggravated by an increase in plasma proinflammatory cytokines and free fatty acids, and a state of relative hyperandrogenism. Previous recommendations systematically excluded women with T2DM from menopause hormone therapy (MHT); new evidence confirms that MHT significantly reduces the diagnosis of new-onset T2DM and may be beneficial in terms of glycemic control when used for menopause symptom management in patients with pre-existing T2DM. A comprehensive and individualized approach is considered the first line of management for women during this period, especially in T2DM patients or in women at risk of developing the disease. The objectives of this presentation are to review the etiopathogenic factors involved in the increased incidence of new cases of T2DM during menopause, the impact of menopause on T2DM and the role of MHT.

The fire of evolution: energy expenditure and ecology in primates and other endotherms

Total energy expenditure (TEE) represents the total energy allocated to growth, reproduction and body maintenance, as well as the energy expended on physical activity. Early experimental work in animal energetics focused on the costs of specific tasks (basal metabolic rate, locomotion, reproduction), while determination of TEE was limited to estimates from activity budgets or measurements of subjects confined to metabolic chambers. Advances in recent decades have enabled measures of TEE in free-living animals, challenging traditional additive approaches to understanding animal energy budgets. Variation in lifestyle and activity level can impact individuals' TEE on short time scales, but interspecific differences in TEE are largely shaped by evolution. Here, we review work on energy expenditure across the animal kingdom, with a particular focus on endotherms, and examine recent advances in primate energetics. Relative to other placental mammals, primates have low TEE, which may drive their slow pace of life and be an evolved response to the challenges presented by their ecologies and environments. TEE variation among hominoid primates appears to reflect adaptive shifts in energy throughput and allocation in response to ecological pressures. As the taxonomic breadth and depth of TEE data expand, we will be able to test additional hypotheses about how energy budgets are shaped by environmental pressures and explore the more proximal mechanisms that drive intra-specific variation in energy expenditure.

Altered sperm fate in the reproductive tract milieu due to oxidative stress leads to sub-fertility in type 1 diabetes females: A Drosophila-based study

AIMS

Female sub-fertility, a prominent complication due to Type 1 diabetes (T1D), is generally attributed to disturbances in menstrual cycles and/or ovarian defects/disorders. T1D women, however, are high in oxidative stress, although the impact of the same on their reproduction and associated events remains unknown. Therefore, we assessed the repercussions of elevated oxidative stress on the sperm fate (storage/utilization) in the reproductive tract milieu of T1D females and their fertility using the Drosophila T1D model (Df[dilp1-5]), which lacks insulin-like peptides and displays reduced female fertility.

MAIN METHODS

We mated Df[dilp1-5] females to normal males and thereafter examined sperm storage and/or utilization in conjunction with oxidative stress parameters in mated Df[dilp1-5] females at different time points. Also, the impact of antioxidant (Amla or Vitamin C) supplementation on the above oxidative stress parameters in Df[dilp1-5] females and the consequences on their sperm and fertility levels were examined.

KEY FINDINGS

Df[dilp1-5] females showed elevated oxidative stress parameters and a few of their reproductive tract proteins are oxidatively modified. Also, these females stored significantly fewer sperm and also did not utilize sperm as efficiently as their controls. Surprisingly, amelioration of the oxidative stress in Df[dilp1-5] females' milieu through antioxidant (Amla or vitamin C) supplementation enhanced sperm storage and improved fertility.

SIGNIFICANCE

Hyperglycemia coupled with elevated oxidative stress within the female reproductive tract environment affects the sperm fate, thereby reducing female fertility in T1D. In addition, these findings suggest that antioxidant supplementation may substantially aid in the mitigation of sub-fertility in T1D females.

The association between diabetes type, age of onset, and age at natural menopause: a retrospective cohort study using the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging

OBJECTIVES

With growing incidence of type 1 diabetes (T1D), type 2 diabetes (T2D), and gestational diabetes, more women are expected to spend a larger proportion of their reproductive years living with a diabetes diagnosis. It is important to understand the long-term implications of premenopausal diabetes type on women's reproductive health including their age at natural menopause (ANM).

METHODS

Baseline data from the Comprehensive Cohort of Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging were used. Females who reported premenopausal diagnosis of diabetes were considered exposed. Kaplan-Meier cumulative survivorship estimates and multivariable Cox regression models were used to assess the association between diabetes types and ANM. Sociodemographic, lifestyle, and premenopausal clinical factors were adjusted in the final model as covariates.

RESULTS

The sample comprised 11,436 participants, weighted to represent 1,474,412Canadian females aged 45 to 85 years. The median ANM was 52 years. After adjusting for ethnicity, education, smoking, and premenopausal clinical factors, early age of diagnosis of both T1D (<30 years) and T2D (30-39 years) were associated with earlier menopause (T1D, <30: hazard ratio [HR], 1.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-2.28; T2D, 30-39: HR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.12-2.94), as compared with nondiabetics. In addition, later age of diagnosis of T2D (≥40 years) was associated with later ANM (T2D: HR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.50-0.80). No significant association between gestational diabetes and ANM was noted.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results point to early menopause among young women living with a diabetes diagnosis. 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.

The interplay between diabetes mellitus and menopause: clinical implications

The menopausal transition is an impactful period in women's lives, when the risk of cardiovascular disease is accelerated. Similarly, diabetes mellitus profoundly impacts cardiovascular risk. However, the interplay between menopause and diabetes mellitus has not been adequately studied. The menopausal transition is accompanied by metabolic changes that predispose to diabetes mellitus, particularly type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), as menopause results in increased risk of upper body adipose tissue accumulation and increased incidence of insulin resistance. Equally, diabetes mellitus can affect ovarian ageing, potentially causing women with type 1 diabetes mellitus and early-onset T2DM to experience menopause earlier than women without diabetes mellitus. Earlier age at menopause has been associated with a higher risk of T2DM later in life. Menopausal hormone therapy can reduce the risk of T2DM and improve glycaemic control in women with pre-existing diabetes mellitus; however, there is not enough evidence to support the administration of menopausal hormone therapy for diabetes mellitus prevention or control. This Review critically appraises studies published within the past few years on the interaction between diabetes mellitus and menopause and addresses all clinically relevant issues, such as the effect of menopause on the development of T2DM, and the management of both menopause and diabetes mellitus.

American Association of Clinical Endocrinology Clinical Practice Guideline: Developing a Diabetes Mellitus Comprehensive Care Plan-2022 Update

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this clinical practice guideline is to provide updated and new evidence-based recommendations for the comprehensive care of persons with diabetes mellitus to clinicians, diabetes-care teams, other health care professionals and stakeholders, and individuals with diabetes and their caregivers.

METHODS

The American Association of Clinical Endocrinology selected a task force of medical experts and staff who updated and assessed clinical questions and recommendations from the prior 2015 version of this guideline and conducted literature searches for relevant scientific papers published from January 1, 2015, through May 15, 2022. Selected studies from results of literature searches composed the evidence base to update 2015 recommendations as well as to develop new recommendations based on review of clinical evidence, current practice, expertise, and consensus, according to established American Association of Clinical Endocrinology protocol for guideline development.

RESULTS

This guideline includes 170 updated and new evidence-based clinical practice recommendations for the comprehensive care of persons with diabetes. Recommendations are divided into four sections: (1) screening, diagnosis, glycemic targets, and glycemic monitoring; (2) comorbidities and complications, including obesity and management with lifestyle, nutrition, and bariatric surgery, hypertension, dyslipidemia, retinopathy, neuropathy, diabetic kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease; (3) management of prediabetes, type 2 diabetes with antihyperglycemic pharmacotherapy and glycemic targets, type 1 diabetes with insulin therapy, hypoglycemia, hospitalized persons, and women with diabetes in pregnancy; (4) education and new topics regarding diabetes and infertility, nutritional supplements, secondary diabetes, social determinants of health, and virtual care, as well as updated recommendations on cancer risk, nonpharmacologic components of pediatric care plans, depression, education and team approach, occupational risk, role of sleep medicine, and vaccinations in persons with diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

This updated clinical practice guideline provides evidence-based recommendations to assist with person-centered, team-based clinical decision-making to improve the care of persons with diabetes mellitus.

Assessment of ovarian reserve in patients with type 1 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Current knowledge about the ovarian reserve in patients with type 1 diabetes is inconsistent and based on studies with small sample size. This meta-analysis aimed to produce a comprehensive evaluation on the ovarian reserve of type 1 diabetes female patients and to analyze the associated factors with the ovarian reserve.

METHODS

Systematic searches were conducted for studies published from the inception to December 2021. Original human observational studies either with case-control, cross-sectional, or longitudinal design evaluating ovarian reserve markers between type 1 diabetes patients and healthy controls were included. Levels of anti-müllerian hormone (AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and estradiol (E2) were extracted.

RESULTS

It was indicated that women with type 1 diabetes were associated with decreased levels of AMH compared with healthy controls (weighted mean difference [WMD] -0.70 ng/ml, 95% confidence intervals [CI] -1.05 to -0.34 ng/ml, P = 0.0001). Subgroup analyses stratified by age showed that adult patients with type 1 diabetes were associated with decreased levels of AMH (WMD -0.70 ng/ml, 95% CI -1.06 to -0.34 ng/ml, P = 0.0001) and FSH (WMD -1.07 IU/L, 95% CI -1.75 to -0.39 IU/L, P = 0.002) compared with healthy controls. Meta-regression analysis showed no significant correlation between AMH, FSH, and clinical factors, while level of E2 was negatively correlated with daily insulin doses and glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) values.

CONCLUSION

According to this meta-analysis, type 1 diabetes might be associated with decreased AMH levels. Further studies using different markers and fertility outcomes focus on the ovarian reserve of women with type 1 diabetes are urgently needed.

Balancing growth, reproduction, maintenance, and activity in evolved energy economies

Economic models predominate in life history research, which investigates the allocation of an organism's resources to growth, reproduction, and maintenance. These approaches typically employ a heuristic Y model of resource allocation, which predicts trade-offs among tasks within a fixed budget. The common currency among tasks is not always specified, but most models imply that metabolic energy, either from food or body stores, is the critical resource. Here, we review the evidence for metabolic energy as the common currency of growth, reproduction, and maintenance, focusing on studies in humans and other vertebrates. We then discuss the flow of energy to competing physiological tasks (physical activity, maintenance, and reproduction or growth) and its effect on life history traits. We propose a Ψ model of energy flow to these tasks, which provides an integrative framework for examining the influence of environmental factors and the expansion and contraction of energy budgets in the evolution of life history strategies.

Age at natural menopause in women with a history of chronic diseases-A population-based cohort study

OBJECTIVE

This study was carried out to determine whether chronic diseases can influence age at natural menopause (ANM).

STUDY DESIGN AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

This population-based prospective study recruited all eligible women from participants in the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS). The Cox proportional-hazards model (unadjusted and adjusted) was used to assess associations of ANM with chronic diseases, including diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HTN), dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome (MetS), cardiovascular disease (CVD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and thyroid disorders, which were not included simultaneously in the model because there were correlations between chronic diseases.

RESULTS

A total of 4662 women, aged 15-50 years, who had not reached menopause at initiation of the TLGS were included. Of these women, 1220 (26.2%) experienced menopause during the study follow-up. In the multivariable Cox regression model adjusted for potential confounders, women with DM [HR:1.75; 95%CI: (1.32, 2.32)], HTN [HR: 2.11; 95%CI: (1.64, 2.72)], MetS [HR: 2.01; 95%CI: (1.57, 2.58)], CVD [HR: 3.02; 95%CI: (1.93, 4.73)], CKD [HR: 2.64; 95%CI: (2.16, 3.22)], and thyroid disorders [HR: 1.41; 95%CI: (1.06, 1.88)] reached menopause earlier, while dyslipidemia was not associated with ANM.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that women with a history of chronic diseases, such as metabolic disorders, cardiovascular events, and CKD, experience menopause earlier than their counterparts without such a history.

The Potential Role of C-peptide in Sexual and Reproductive Functions in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: An Update

BACKGROUND

Although hyperglycaemia is known to be the leading cause of diabetic complications, the beneficial effect of optimal glucose control in preventing diabetic complications is still far from being proven. In fact, such complications may not be related to glycaemic control alone.

OBJECTIVE

This review summarizes several studies that suggest that a C-peptide deficiency could be new and common pathophysiology for complications in type 1 diabetes, including sexual and reproductive dysfunction.

METHODS

We reviewed in vitro, in vivo, and human studies on the association between C-peptide deficiency or C-peptide replacement therapy and complications in type 1 diabetes. It seems that Cpeptide replacement therapy may interrupt the connection between diabetes and sexual/reproductive dysfunction.

RESULTS

The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial suggested that maintaining C-peptide secretion is associated with a reduced incidence of retinopathy, nephropathy, and hypoglycaemia. Risk of vascular, hormonal, and neurologic damage in the structures supplying blood to the penis increases with increasing levels of HbA1. However, several human studies have suggested an association between C-peptide production and hypothalamic/pituitary functions. When exposed to C-peptide, cavernosal smooth muscle cells increase the production of nitric oxide. C-peptide in diabetic rats improves sperm count, sperm motility, testosterone levels, and nerve conduction compared to non-treated diabetic rats.

CONCLUSION

C-peptide deficiency may be involved, at least partially, in the development of several pathological features associated with type 1 diabetes, including sexual/reproductive dysfunction. Preliminary studies have reported that C-peptide administration protects against diabetic microand macrovascular damages as well as sexual/reproductive dysfunction. Therefore, further studies are needed to confirm these promising findings.

The association between chronic diseases and the age at natural menopause: a systematic review

Despite several existing studies on the age at natural menopause (ANM) and its related factors, epidemiologic data on the associations between chronic diseases and ANM are scarce with conflicting and inconclusive results. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the results of the studies investigating the association between chronic disease and ANM. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for retrieving and summarizing studies published up to October 2020 investigating the association between chronic medical conditions and ANM. All types of observational studies published in the English language were eligible to be included in the systematic review. Studies needed to report the effect of at least one chronic disease on ANM. Studies with other designs, studies with unreliable and incomplete results, and those that assessed none of the chronic diseases as outcomes of interest were excluded. Of the 6294 records retrieved by searching the databases, a total of 28 observational studies were included for this review. According to the Newcastle-Ottawa scale, nine studies were classified as high-quality, fifteen studies as moderate, and four as low-quality. Among the five studies investigating the association between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and ANM, three studies reported that PCOS was associated with a later ANM, whereas others found no such association. Eight studies showed that diabetes was associated with an earlier ANM, whereas eight other studies found no such association. While only one study showed a younger age at the onset of menopause in patients with a history of hypertension, five studies did not report such an effect. Only one study assessed the effect of dyslipidemia on ANM and showed no association between these variables. While three studies documented the effects of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and heart disease on earlier ANM, one study found no association between these diseases and ANM. Most included studies showed the association of mood disorders with earlier ANM. There were no sufficient data for assessing the effects of thyroid, skin, and autoimmune diseases on ANM. Chronic diseases particularly cardio-metabolic disturbances, cardiovascular events, and psycho-emotional disorders are associated with earlier menopause, whereas other diseases such as PCOS may lead to later menopause. Accordingly, early diagnosis and managing chronic medical conditions in women can potentially prevent early or late menopause.

Shared Genetics Between Age at Menopause, Early Menopause, POI and Other Traits

Reproductive ageing leading to menopause is characterized by depletion of follicles and its regulating mechanisms are only partly understood. Early age at menopause and premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) are associated with several other traits such as cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, osteoporosis and diabetes. In large cohorts of Northern European women hundreds of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) have been identified to be associated with age at menopause. These SNPs are located in genes enriched for immune and mitochondrial function as well as DNA repair and maintenance processes. Genetic predisposition to earlier menopause might also increase the risk of other associated traits. Increased risk for cardiovascular disease in women has been associated with age at menopause lowering SNPs. Pleiotropy between early age at menopause and increased mortality from coronary artery disease has been observed, implicating that genetic variants affecting age at menopause also affect the risk for coronary deaths. This review will discuss the shared genetics of age at menopause with other traits. Mendelian Randomization studies implicate causal genetic association between age at menopause and age at menarche, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, BMD and type 2 diabetes. Although the shared biological pathways remain to be determined, mechanisms that regulate duration of estrogen exposure remain an important focus.

Mitochondrial Regulation of Diabetic Kidney Disease

The role and nature of mitochondrial dysfunction in diabetic kidney disease (DKD) has been extensively studied. Yet, the molecular drivers of mitochondrial remodeling in DKD are poorly understood. Diabetic kidney cells exhibit a cascade of mitochondrial dysfunction ranging from changes in mitochondrial morphology to significant alterations in mitochondrial biogenesis, biosynthetic, bioenergetics and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). How these changes individually or in aggregate contribute to progression of DKD remain to be fully elucidated. Nevertheless, because of the remarkable progress in our basic understanding of the role of mitochondrial biology and its dysfunction in DKD, there is great excitement on future targeted therapies based on improving mitochondrial function in DKD. This review will highlight the latest advances in understanding the nature of mitochondria dysfunction and its role in progression of DKD, and the development of mitochondrial targets that could be potentially used to prevent its progression.

Protective effects of dichloroacetic acid on endometrial injury and ovarian reserve in an experimental rat model of diabetes mellitus

AIM

To study (1) ovarian and endometrial damage caused by the hyperglycemia and (2) the effects of dichloroacetic acid (DCA) on follicular reserve and endometrial damage in streptozocin induced diabetic rats.

METHODS

This study consisted 24 rats randomly separated into three groups. A diabetes model was achieved in 16 rats experimentally, and normoglycemic eight rats were assigned as control group (Group 1). The rats with diabetes were randomly separated to two groups: 1 mL/kg/day intraperitoneal 0.9% NaCl was given to eight rats as diabetic vehicle (Group 2) and 10 mg/kg/day DCA was given to other eight rats as DCA treated group (Group 3). Hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy was performed for histopathological evaluation and blood samples were collected after 4 weeks.

RESULTS

Diabetes caused ovarian and endometrial damage (p < 0.0001). Pentraxin-3 (PTX-3), lactic acid, and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) were higher (p < 0.05, p < 0.05, and p < 0.0001, respectively), whereas anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) was lower in diabetic rats (p < 0.05). These findings reflected the diabetic damage in the genital tract and diminished ovarian reserve occurred via fibrosis, severe inflammation, and oxidative stress. DCA improved the histopathological fibrosis and degeneration in the ovaries and endometrium (p < 0.05). There was a concominant decrease of TGF-β and lactic acid levels with DCA treatment (p < 0.05). DCA also improved ovarian reserve with higher AMH levels (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The several unfavored changes in the endometrium and ovaries due to diabetes have been determined in this present study. DCA might provide the continuity of the endometrial cycle, physiological endometrial structure, ovarian follicular growth, oocyte maturation, and physiological ovarian function by decreasing the lactate levels via inhibiting pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase enzyme.

Ageing and chronic disease-related changes in the morphometric characteristics of ovarian follicles in cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis)

STUDY QUESTION

How is the localisation of ovarian follicles affected by ageing and chronic diseases?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Ovarian follicles shift deeper towards the medulla, due to thickening of the tunica albuginea (TA), with ageing and some major common chronic diseases.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

The ovary undergoes morphological and functional changes with ageing. The follicular pool follows these changes with alterations in the amount and distribution of residual follicles. Diseases causing a chronic inflammatory process are associated with morphological changes and impaired ovarian function.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

We conducted a cross-sectional study, examining 90 ovaries from 90 female monkeys. The samples were collected from April 2018 to March 2019 at Tsukuba Primate Research Center in National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Japan.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Ovarian samples were obtained from cynomolgus monkeys that died from natural causes or were euthanised. Ovarian sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) for histological analyses. In ovarian sections from 64 female macaques aged 0-25 years, a total of 13 743 follicles at different developmental stages (primordial, intermediary, primary, early secondary and late secondary) were assessed to determine the depth of each follicle from the outer surface of the ovarian cortex to the far end of the follicle, by using a digital imaging software. TA thickness was measured as sum of basal membrane and tunica collagen layer for each ovary under H&E staining. To explore the possibility of age-related trends in ovarian morphometric characteristics, samples were divided into four different age groups (0-3 years (pre-menarche), 4-9 years, 10-14 years and 15-20 years). To evaluate the effect of common chronic diseases on ovarian morphometric characteristics, macaques with diabetes mellitus (DM) (n = 10), endometriosis (n = 8) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (n = 8) were compared to age-matched controls without chronic diseases.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Ovarian morphometric analysis revealed that the relative location of follicles became deeper in all age groups according to development of follicles (P < 0.05). Total follicle distance from the ovarian surface was increased with ageing (P < 0.05). In a sub-analysis according to developmental stage, only primordial and intermediary follicles were localised deeper with increasing age (P < 0.05). TA thickness was also increased with ageing (P < 0.05). The localisation of the total number of follicles became deeper in ovaries from monkeys with DM, endometriosis or IBD as compared to the control group (P < 0.05). With DM, analysis of follicles distance at almost each developmental stage was significantly deeper compared to controls (P < 0.05) with the exception of early secondary follicles. With endometriosis, follicles at primary and early and late secondary stages were significantly deeper compared to controls (P < 0.05). Also with IBD, follicles at primary and early and late secondary follicles were significantly deeper compared to controls (P < 0.001). The TA was thicker with DM and endometriosis compared to controls (P < 0.05), but not with IBD (P = 0.16).

LARGE SCALE DATA

NA.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

Two-dimensional histology was used to assess follicle localisation. The possibility of minimal variations between the measured distance to the actual distance in a spherical structure cannot be excluded. Additionally, the severity of disease was not assessed.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

This study is the first step towards enhancing our understanding of how ageing and chronic diseases affect the relative localisation of dormant and developing follicles. These observations, combined with possible future human studies, may have managerial implications in the field of fertility preservation and other conditions involving ovarian tissue cryopreservation.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

The present work was supported by the Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research B (19H03801) (to K.K.), Challenging Exploratory Research (18K19624), Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Mochida Memorial Foundation for Medical and Pharmaceutical Research, Takeda Science Foundation and Naito Foundation (to K.K.). All authors have no conflicts of interest directly relevant to the content of this article.

The diabetes-fracture association in women with type 1 and type 2 diabetes is partially mediated by falls: a 15-year longitudinal study

This study evaluated mediators of fracture risk in postmenopausal women with type 1 (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D), over a 15-year follow-up period. This study provides evidence that the increased fracture risk in women with T1D or T2D is partially explained by falls. Furthermore, a shorter reproductive lifespan in women with T1D contributes modestly to fracture risk in this cohort.

PURPOSE

Skeletal fragility is associated with diabetes mellitus, while limited estrogen exposure during the reproductive years also predisposes to lower bone mass and higher fracture risk. We aimed to determine osteoporosis diagnosis, fall and fracture rates in women with type 1 (T1D) and type 2 (T2D) diabetes mellitus, and explore mediators of the diabetes-fracture relationship.

METHODS

Prospective observational data drawn from the Australian Longitudinal Study in Women's Health (ALSWH) from 1996 to 2010. Women were randomly selected from the national health insurance database. Standardized data collection occurred at six survey time points, with main outcome measures being self-reported osteoporosis, incident fracture, falls, and reproductive lifespan. Mediation analyses were performed to elucidate relevant intermediaries in the diabetes-fracture relationship.

RESULTS

Exactly 11,313 women were included at baseline (T1D, n = 107; T2D, n = 333; controls, n = 10,873). A total of 885 new cases of osteoporosis and 1099 incident fractures were reported over 15 years. Women with T1D or T2D reported more falls and fall-related injuries; additionally, women with T1D had a shorter reproductive lifespan. While fracture risk was increased in women with diabetes (T1D: OR 2.28, 95% CI 1.53-3.40; T2D: OR 2.40, 95% CI 1.90-3.03), compared with controls, adjustment for falls attenuated the risk of fracture by 10% and 6% in T1D and T2D, respectively. In women with T1D, reproductive lifespan modestly attenuated fracture risk by 4%.

CONCLUSION

Women with T1D and T2D have an increased risk of fracture, which may be partially explained by increased falls, and to a lesser extent by shorter reproductive lifespan, in T1D.

Predictors of the age at which natural menopause occurs in women with type 1 diabetes: the Pittsburgh Epidemiology of Diabetes Complications (EDC) study

OBJECTIVE

Women with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are thought to experience menopause earlier than women without diabetes, although not all studies agree. We assessed metabolic predictors of the age at which natural menopause occurs among women with T1D participating in the Epidemiology of Diabetes Complications study.

METHODS

Women with childhood-onset (<17 y) of T1D who underwent natural menopause without use of hormone therapy during their menopausal transition were included in the analysis (n = 105; mean baseline age, 29.5 and diabetes duration, 20.2 y). Self-reported reproductive history and the Women's Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation hormonal algorithms were used to determine menopause status. Linear regression was used to ascertain whether time-weighted metabolic factors (eg, BMI, lipids, HbA1c, insulin dose, albumin excretion rate [AER]) were associated with age at natural menopause.

RESULTS

Univariately, only insulin dose (β = -4.87, P = 0.04) and log (AER) (β = -0.62, P = 0.02) were associated (negatively) with age at natural menopause. Adjusting for BMI, smoking status, lipids, HbA1c, number of pregnancies, and oral contraceptive use, each 0.1 unit increase in the daily dose of insulin per kilogram body weight was associated with 0.64 years younger age at natural menopause (P = 0.01), while for every 30% increase in AER, age at natural menopause decreased by 0.18 years (P = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

Higher average levels of insulin dose and AER over time were significantly associated with a younger age at which natural menopause occurred among women with T1D. The biologic mechanisms underlying the observed associations between exogenous insulin dose and AER on reproductive health should be investigated among women with T1D.

Women with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) experience a shorter reproductive period compared with nondiabetic women: the Pittsburgh Epidemiology of Diabetes Complications (EDC) study and the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN)

OBJECTIVE

Evidence suggests that insulin deficiency and hyperglycemia may disrupt the female reproductive system's normal function, leading to delayed menarche and premature ovarian aging. We thus compared the length of the reproductive period of women with type 1 diabetes (T1D) to women without diabetes.

METHODS

Women with childhood-onset T1D (diagnosed in 1950-80) from the prospective Epidemiology of Diabetes Complications (EDC) study and nondiabetic women from the Pittsburgh site of the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN) were studied. Exclusion criteria comprised not having reached natural menopause, hysterectomy/oophorectomy before menopause, and sex hormone therapy during the menopausal transition. Reproductive history was self-reported. The historical and Women's Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation hormonal algorithms were also used to assess menopause status.

RESULTS

Women in the T1D cohort (n = 105) were younger, more likely to be White, never smokers, with lower BMI and higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (all P values < 0.05) compared with women without diabetes (n = 178). After covariate adjustment, T1D women were also older at menarche (0.5-y delay, P = 0.002) but younger at natural menopause (-2.0 y, P < 0.0001). Women with T1D thus experienced 2.5 fewer reproductive years compared to those without diabetes (P < 0.0001). These findings were restricted to the subgroup of women who were diagnosed with T1D before reaching menarche (n = 80).

CONCLUSION

Women with T1D onset before menarche have a shorter reproductive period compared with nondiabetic women, exhibiting delayed menarche and earlier natural menopause. Factors that may be related to a shorter reproductive period in T1D should be investigated.

The Protective Effects of L-Carnitine and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Against Diabetic Injury on Sex Steroid Hormones Levels, Oxidative Stress, and Ovarian Histopathological Changes in Rat

Diabetes mellitus is a common chronic metabolic disorder. This study aimed to investigate the effects of co-treatment with L-carnitine (LC) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) on serum levels of sex hormones, oxidative stress, and ovarian histopathology in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Female Wistar rats (n = 56, 180-220 g) received a single intraperitoneal (IP) injection of STZ (65 mg/kg). They were randomly assigned into the following groups: diabetic group (Dia), Dia+Met group (100 mg metformin/kg/day), Dia+LC group (200 mg/kg/day), Dia+ZnONPs group (10 mg/kg/day), and Dia+LC+ZnONPs group (200 mg LC/kg/day and 10 mg ZnONPs/kg/day). Control group (Ctl) received the same volume of STZ solvent. After 21 days of treatment, blood serum was centrifuged for sex hormone assays. The right ovary was used for biochemical analysis, and the left ovary was fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin for histological assessment. The levels of estradiol, progesterone, FSH, and LH significantly increased in the Dia+ZnONPs+LC group (P < 0.001) compared with the Dia group. Co-treatment with LC and ZnONPs reduced malondialdehyde and carbonyl protein and increased glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activities in ovarian tissue compared with the Dia group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the number of all ovarian follicles significantly increased in this group compared with the Dia group (P < 0.05). The results of this study indicated that co-treatment with LC and ZnONPs could preserve ovarian function by increasing sex hormones levels and antioxidant activity and decreasing lipid peroxidation in diabetic rats. Therefore, this compound supplementation may improve ovulation and fertility in people with diabetes mellitus.

Association of age at diabetes complication diagnosis with age at natural menopause in women with type 1 diabetes: The Pittsburgh Epidemiology of Diabetes Complications (EDC) Study

OBJECTIVE

Vascular damage is thought to have a role in premature ovarian aging. We thus assessed the association between the presence, and age at onset of, vascular diabetes complications and age at natural menopause in women with type 1 diabetes.

METHODS

Female participants of the Epidemiology of Diabetes Complications study with type 1 diabetes who experienced natural menopause and who never received hormone therapy during their menopausal transition were included in the analysis (n=105). Microalbuminuria (MA), overt nephropathy, proliferative retinopathy, confirmed distal symmetric polyneuropathy, and coronary artery disease, were assessed during biennial clinical exanimations for the first 10 years of follow-up and at year 18, 25 and 30. Menopausal status was determined via self-report and sex hormone data. For each complication, separate linear regression models were used to assess whether, compared with women without the complication of interest, an earlier age at complication development (i.e., <30 years of age) was associated with an earlier age at natural menopause.

RESULTS

Although results from multivariable linear regression models suggested a similar age at menopause between women with normo-albuminuria and those diagnosed with MA after 30 years of age, menopause occurred 2.06 years earlier (β±SE=-2.06±1.08) among women diagnosed with MA before age 30 (p=0.06). No significant association was observed for other complications.

CONCLUSION

Among women with type 1 diabetes, menopause appears to occur earlier in those diagnosed with MA before age 30 compared to those with normo-albuminuria, suggesting that vascular dysfunction associated with early microvascular disease may affect ovarian aging.

The Double Whammy of Obesity and Diabetes on Female Reproductive Health

The rising global prevalence of obesity and diabetes, especially in youth, confers substantial metabolic consequences and increased mortality in affected individuals. While obesity is strongly tied to the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, emerging evidence shows that obesity rates are also increasing exponentially in those with type 1 diabetes, contributing to insulin resistance and cardiometabolic sequelae. In addition, both obesity and diabetes can exert adverse effects on female reproductive health independently, with the presence of both conditions likely to exacerbate reproductive dysfunction in this cohort. If the current trends in obesity and diabetes incidence persist, it is likely that more women will be at risk of obesity- and diabetes-related reproductive disorders. This review aims to describe the epidemiology and mechanisms of obesity in women with diabetes, and summarize current literature regarding reproductive disorders in diabetes and weight management strategies in this cohort.

Sex differences in renal mitochondrial function: a hormone-gous opportunity for research

Sex differences (biological distinctions between males and females) present a complex interplay of genetic, developmental, biological, and environmental factors. More and more studies are shedding light on the importance of sex differences in normal physiology and susceptibility to cancer, cardiovascular and renal conditions, and neurodegenerative diseases. This mini-review is devoted to the role of sex dimorphisms in renal function, with a focus on the distinctions between male and female mitochondria. Here, we cover the aspects of renal mitochondrial bioenergetics where sex differences have been reported to date, for instance, biogenesis, reactive oxygen species production, and oxidative stress. Special attention is devoted to the effects of sex hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone, on mitochondrial bioenergetics in the kidney in physiology and pathophysiology.

Anti-Müllerian Hormone and Ovarian Reserve: Update on Assessing Ovarian Function

CONTEXT

Anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) is produced by granulosa cells of small, growing follicles in the ovary. Serum AMH levels strongly correlate with the number of growing follicles, and therefore AMH has received increasing attention as a marker for ovarian reserve. This review summarizes recent findings and limitations in the application of serum AMH in ovarian reserve assessment.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A PubMed search was conducted to find recent literature on the measurements and use of serum AMH as a marker for ovarian reserve.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Serum AMH levels are measured to assess the "functional ovarian reserve," a term that is preferred over "ovarian reserve," since AMH levels reflect the pool of growing follicles that potentially can ovulate. Serum AMH levels are used in individualized follicle-stimulating hormone dosing protocols and may predict the risk of poor response or ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome but has limited value in predicting ongoing pregnancy. Serum AMH levels are studied to predict natural or disease-related age of menopause. Studies show that the age-dependent decline rates of AMH vary among women. The generalized implementation of serum AMH measurement has also led to an increase in diagnostic assays, including automated assays. However, direct comparison of results remains problematic.

CONCLUSION

Serum AMH remains the preferred ovarian reserve marker. However, the lack of an international standard for AMH limits comparison between AMH assays. Furthermore, little is known about endogenous and exogenous factors that influence serum AMH levels, which limits proper interpretation of AMH values in a clinical setting.

Evaluation of relationship between HbA1c levels and ovarian reserve in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus

In organ or non-organ-specific autoimmune disorders, human ovary is usually the target of the autoimmune attack. We aimed to demonstrate the correlation between ovarian reserve and DM1, based on the view that women with type-1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) will have lower AMH levels secondary to poor glycemic control and autoimmune attacks. Ovarian functions of 42 patients diagnosed with DM1 who use insulin and 65 healthy volunteers were analyzed. Basal hormone and AMH levels were measured during the follicular phase. Fasting and postprandial blood glucose concentrations, HbA1c and C-peptide levels were evaluated. The mean antral follicle count (AFC) was significantly lower in DM1 patients than in healthy controls (p = .001). The AMH levels were lower in women with DM1 than in the controls (p = .001). The HbA1c values of DM1 patients, who formed the study group, was significantly higher than the control group. Ovarian reserve that is evaluated with serum AMH level is affected by poor glycemic control in type 1 diabetes. Due to the time of the autoimmune damage in the ovaries and the observable effects of this damage, more comprehensive and longer-term studies are needed to be conducted for the follow-up of reproductive abnormalities.

Diabetes: a metabolic and reproductive disorder in women

Reproductive dysfunction is a common but little studied complication of diabetes. The spectrum of reproductive health problems in diabetes is broad, and encompasses delayed puberty and menarche, menstrual cycle abnormalities, subfertility, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and potentially early menopause. Depending on the age at diagnosis of diabetes, reproductive problems can manifest early on in puberty, emerge later when fertility is desired, or occur during the climacteric period. Historically, women with type 1 diabetes have frequently had amenorrhoea and infertility, due to central hypogonadism. With the intensification of insulin therapy and improved metabolic control, these problems have declined, but do persist. Additional reproductive implications of contemporary diabetes management are now emerging, including polycystic ovary syndrome and hyperandrogenism, which are underpinned by insulin action on the ovary. The sharp rise in type 2 diabetes incidence in youth suggests that more women of reproductive age will encounter diabetes-related reproductive problems in their lifetimes. With an ever increasing number of young women living with diabetes, clinicians need to be aware of and equipped for the challenges of navigating reproductive health concerns across the lifespan.

Autoimmune Disease in Women: Endocrine Transition and Risk Across the Lifespan

Women have a higher incidence and prevalence of autoimmune diseases than men, and 85% or more patients of multiple autoimmune diseases are female. Women undergo sweeping endocrinological changes at least twice during their lifetime, puberty and menopause, with many women undergoing an additional transition: pregnancy, which may or may not be accompanied by breastfeeding. These endocrinological transitions exert significant effects on the immune system due to interactions between the hormonal milieu, innate, and adaptive immune systems as well as pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and thereby modulate the susceptibility of women to autoimmune diseases. Conversely, pre-existing autoimmune diseases themselves impact endocrine transitions. Concentration-dependent effects of estrogen on the immune system; the role of progesterone, androgens, leptin, oxytocin, and prolactin; and the interplay between Th1 and Th2 immune responses together maintain a delicate balance between host defense, immunological tolerance and autoimmunity. In this review, multiple autoimmune diseases have been analyzed in the context of each of the three endocrinological transitions in women. We provide evidence from human epidemiological data and animal studies that endocrine transitions exert profound impact on the development of autoimmune diseases in women through complex mechanisms. Greater understanding of endocrine transitions and their role in autoimmune diseases could aid in prediction, prevention, and cures of these debilitating diseases in women.

Menstrual Cycle Changes as Women Approach the Final Menses: What Matters?

Increased variability in menstrual cycle length marks the onset of the menopausal transition, with the likelihood of long cycles increasing as women approach menopause. This article describes the STRAW+10 bleeding criteria for recognizing onset of the early and late menopausal transition, as well as the specific bleeding changes a woman may experience during this life stage, including how women's bleeding experiences differ. The high probability of episodes of excessive and prolonged bleeding as women approach their final menstrual period is documented, as is the continuing probability of ovulation as women reach their final menstrual period.

Menopause and diabetes: EMAS clinical guide

INTRODUCTION

Whether menopause increases the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) independently of ageing has been a matter of debate. Controversy also exists about the benefits and risks of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) in women with T2DM.

AIMS

To summarise the evidence on 1) the effect of menopause on metabolic parameters and the risk of T2DM, 2) the effect of T2DM on age at menopause, 3) the effect of MHT on the risk of T2DM, and 4) the management of postmenopausal women with T2DM.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Literature review and consensus of experts' opinions.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Metabolic changes during the menopausal transition include an increase in and the central redistribution of adipose tissue, as well as a decrease in energy expenditure. In addition, there is impairment of insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity and an increase in the risk of T2DM. MHT has a favourable effect on glucose metabolism, both in women with and in women without T2DM, while it may delay the onset of T2DM. MHT in women with T2DM should be administered according to their risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). In women with T2DM and low CVD risk, oral oestrogens may be preferred, while transdermal 17β-oestradiol is preferred for women with T2DM and coexistent CVD risk factors, such as obesity. In any case, a progestogen with neutral effects on glucose metabolism should be used, such as progesterone, dydrogesterone or transdermal norethisterone. Postmenopausal women with T2DM should be managed primarily with lifestyle intervention, including diet and exercise. Most of them will eventually require pharmacological therapy. The selection of antidiabetic medications should be based on the patient's specific characteristics and comorbidities, as well on the metabolic, cardiovascular and bone effects of the medications.

Characteristics and Prognosis in Women and Men With Type 1 Diabetes Undergoing Coronary Angiography: A Nationwide Registry Report

OBJECTIVE

To describe sex aspects on extent of coronary artery disease (CAD) and prognosis in a contemporary population with type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

All patients undergoing coronary angiography, 2001-2013, included in the Swedish Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty Registry and the Swedish National Diabetes Register as type 1 diabetes were followed for mortality until 31 December 2013. The coronary angiogram was classified into normal, one-vessel disease, two-vessel disease, three-vessel disease, and left main stem disease.

RESULTS

In all, 2,776 patients (42% women) with mean age 58 years (SD 11) were followed for 7.2 years (SD 2.2). Diabetes duration was longer in women (37 ± 14 vs. 34 ± 14 years in men; P < 0.001), who also had more retinopathy (68% vs. 65%; P = 0.050), whereas microalbuminuria was less common (41% vs. 51%; P < 0.001). Indications for coronary angiography did not substantially differ in women and men. The extent of CAD was somewhat less severe in women (normal angiogram 23.5% vs. 19.1%, three-vessel and left main stem disease 34.5% vs. 40.4%; P = 0.002), whereas mortality did not differ (adjusted hazard ratio 1.03 [95% CI 0.88-1.20]; P = 0.754). The standard mortality ratio for women the first year was 7.49 (5.73-9.62) and for men was 4.58 (3.60-5.74).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with type 1 diabetes admitted for coronary angiography, the extent of CAD was almost similar in women and men, and total long-term mortality did not differ. Type 1 diabetes was associated with higher mortality risk in women than in men when compared with the general population. These data support that type 1 diabetes attenuates the cardiovascular risk difference seen in men and women in the general population.

The effect of diabetes on ovaries in a rat model: the role of interleukin-33 and apoptosis

Interleukin-33 (IL-33) is a novel cytokine involved in diabetes mellitus (DM) but its role in diabetic ovarian injury is unknown. As IL-33 is modulated by apoptosis, we aimed at investigating the effect of diabetes on ovaries in terms of evaluating apoptosis and IL-33 in a rat model. In this prospective experimental study, 16 female, nonpregnant Sprague-Dawley albino rats (12 weeks, 220-240 g) were randomly divided into two groups. Group 1 included eight healthy nondiabetic rats as controls and group 2 included eight rats in which diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal (i.p) injection of streptozotocin (STZ). After overt DM occurred (blood glucose >400 mgr/dl), all animals were euthanized and blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture for biochemical analysis. Bilateral oophorectomy was performed for histopathological examination. Serum levels of IL-33 and ovarian IL-33 and caspase-3 immunoexpressions were assessed. Immunoexpressions of caspase-3 and IL-33 were significantly higher in ovarian stromal cells of the diabetic rats compared to the controls. Also, in diabetic group, serum IL33 levels were significantly higher than the control group. In conclusion, increased IL-33 was observed both in serum and ovaries of STZ-induced diabetic rats as well as increased apoptosis in these diabetic rats. IL-33 may contribute to the apoptosis in diabetic ovarian injury.

Sex differences in micro- and macro-vascular complications of diabetes mellitus

Vascular complications are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in both men and women with type 1 (T1DM) or type 2 (T2DM) diabetes mellitus, however the prevalence, progression and pathophysiology of both microvascular (nephropathy, neuropathy and retinopathy) and macrovascular [coronary heart disease (CHD), myocardial infarction, peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and stroke] disease are different in the two sexes. In general, men appear to be at a higher risk for diabetic microvascular complications, while the consequences of macrovascular complications may be greater in women. Interestingly, in the absence of diabetes, women have a far lower risk of either micro- or macro-vascular disease compared with men for much of their lifespan. Thus, the presence of diabetes confers greater risk for vascular complications in women compared with men and some of the potential reasons, including contribution of sex hormones and sex-specific risk factors are discussed in this review. There is a growing body of evidence that sex hormones play an important role in the regulation of cardiovascular function. While estrogens are generally considered to be cardioprotective and androgens detrimental to cardiovascular health, recent findings challenge these assumptions and demonstrate diversity and complexity of sex hormone action on target tissues, especially in the setting of diabetes. While some progress has been made toward understanding the underlying mechanisms of sex differences in the pathophysiology of diabetic vascular complications, many questions and controversies remain. Future research leading to understanding of these mechanisms may contribute to personalized- and sex-specific treatment for diabetic micro- and macro-vascular disease.

Oestradiol levels may differ between premenopausal women, ages 18-50, with type 1 diabetes and matched controls

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate whether oestradiol differs between premenopausal women with and without type 1 diabetes and whether levels are associated with such factors as age, reproductive history or diabetes management.

METHODS

Oestradiol in premenopausal women with type 1 diabetes (n = 89; age = 18-50 years; duration = 13-18 years) and age-matched/race-matched controls without diabetes (n = 76) was collected during a cross-sectional ancillary study of the Wisconsin Diabetes Registry Study, a population-based incident cohort. Total and bioavailable oestradiol and sex hormone-binding globulin were compared using multivariable regression (e.g. adjusting for reproductive history).

RESULTS

Adjusted mean total and bioavailable oestradiol did not differ overall by diabetes status (p ≥ 0.74), while adjusted mean sex hormone-binding globulin was higher in type 1 diabetes women (p = 0.02). However, only in women with type 1 diabetes and not controls (interaction p = 0.0005) was total oestradiol positively associated with the duration of reproductive years with unsuppressed ovarian function (UnsuppOvFx = years since menarche minus years on hormonal contraceptives/pregnant/breastfeeding). When stratified into less than/equal to or greater than the median 9 years' duration of UnsuppOvFx, compared with controls, women with type 1 diabetes had significantly lower total oestradiol in the ≤9 years group [β = -43.2 pg mL^-1 (-158.6 pmol L^-1 ), p = 0.04] and significantly higher total oestradiol in the >9 years group [β = 53.9 pg mL^-1 (197.9 pmol L^-1 ), p = 0.04]. Results remained consistent during additional statistical adjustments and sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with controls, women with type 1 diabetes may have lower oestradiol when they have a shorter duration of UnsuppOvFx and higher oestradiol when they have a longer duration of UnsuppOvFx. Given the potential effects of insulin on ovarian function, oestradiol production may vary across the lifespan for women with type 1 diabetes. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Menopause, hormone therapy and diabetes

Over the past three decades, the prevalence of diabetes has increased four-fold. Coupled with the global obesity epidemic and aging of the world's population, a perfect metabolic storm is brewing. The influence of menopause and exogenous estrogen and progestogens must be included in this equation. In this review, criteria for diagnosing diabetes and recommendations for screening are described. The reported effects of menopause on diabetes risk in healthy women are reviewed as well as the relationship between established diabetes and the timing of menopause. The effects of menopausal hormone therapies (MHT) on glucose control in women with diabetes and the effect of MHT on diabetes risk in menopausal women without diabetes are described. Evidence-based strategies to prevent diabetes in midlife women are highlighted. The augmenting effect of diabetes on chronic health concerns of aging women, such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and cancer, along with current recommendations for screening and prevention are presented. Given the current demographics of today's world, the content of this review may apply to as many as one-third of the average practitioner's postmenopausal patient population.

Ovarian aging in women with diabetes: An overview

Type 2 diabetes is a global epidemic, and the prevalence and incidence of type 1 diabetes are increasing. The negative effects of diabetes on kidneys, nerves, and vessels are well established. The effect of diabetes on reproductive function is less well understood, but important to characterize, given the increasing numbers of young women with diabetes. In this review, we summarize the available literature on how women with diabetes experience ovarian aging, from menarche to menopause. We report that women with type 1 diabetes appear more likely to have ovarian dysfunction, manifested by delayed menses, menstrual irregularities, and possibly earlier menopause. Studies of women with type 2 diabetes are inconsistent but suggest increased anovulation and earlier menopause. Differences in reproductive aging between women with type 1 and type 2 diabetes raise questions about potential differences in the mechanisms contributing to ovarian aging. Although there is shared glycemic dysregulation, fundamental differences in insulin presence and processing distinguish the two diseases. This review suggests that insulin, age at diagnosis, and weight play a role in ovarian dysfunction. More long-term studies are needed to evaluate the multitude of factors that may disrupt hypothalamic, pituitary, and ovarian function in women with diabetes.

Influences of gender on cardiovascular disease risk factors in adolescents with and without type 1 diabetes

Background

Women with type 1 diabetes (T1D) have a four-fold increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared to non-diabetic (non-DM) women, as opposed to double the risk in T1D men compared to non-DM men. It is unclear how early in life CVD risk differences begin in T1D females. Therefore, our objective was to compare CVD risk factors in adolescents with and without T1D to determine the effects of gender on CVD risk factors.

Methods

The study included 300 subjects with T1D (age 15.4±2.1 years, 50 % male, 80 % non-Hispanic White (NHW), glycated hemoglobin (A1c) 8.9±1.6 %, diabetes duration 8.8±3.0 years, BMI Z-score 0.62±0.77) and 100non-DM controls (age 15.4±2.1 years, 47 % male, 69 % NHW, BMI Z-score 0.29±1.04). CVD risk factors were compared by diabetes status and gender. Multivariate linear regression analyses were used to determine if relationships between diabetes status and CVD risk factors differed by gender independent of differences in A1c and BMI.

Results

Differences in CVD risk factors between T1D subjects and non-DM controls were more pronounced in girls. Compared to boys with T1D and non-DM girls, T1D girls had higher A1c (9.0 % vs. 8.6 % and 5.1 %, respectively), BMI Z-score (0.70 vs. 0.47 and 0.27), LDL-c (95 vs. 82 and 81 mg/dL), total cholesterol (171 vs. 153 and 150 mg/dL), DBP (68 vs. 67 and 63 mmHg), and hs-CRP (1.15 vs. 0.57 and 0.54 mg/dL) after adjusting for Tanner stage, smoking status, and race/ethnicity (p <0.05 for all). In T1D girls, differences in lipids, DBP, and hs-CRP persisted even after adjusting for centered A1c and BMI Z-score.

Testing interactions between gender and T1D with CVD risk factors indicated that differences were greater between girls with T1D and non-DM compared to differences between boys with T1D and non-DM. Overall, observed increases in CVD risk factors in T1D girls remained after further adjustment for centered A1c or BMI Z-score.

Conclusions

Interventions targeting CVD risk factors in addition to lowering HbA1c and maintaining healthy BMI are needed for youth with T1D. The increased CVD risk factors seen in adolescent girls with T1D in particular argues for earlier intervention to prevent later increased risk of CVD in women with T1D.

Association between vascular health and ovarian ageing in type 1 diabetes mellitus

STUDY QUESTION

Is vascular health associated with ovarian reserve status using type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM-1) as a model for vascular compromise?

SUMMARY ANSWER

No conclusive evidence for an association between vascular health and ovarian ageing was found in women with DM-1.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

The mechanism behind advanced ovarian ageing has not yet been elucidated. We hypothesize that vascular impairment precedes ovarian ageing. DM-1 is hallmarked by premature vascular complications that may consequently play a role in the rate of primordial follicle decline.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

A cross-sectional, patient-control study was performed in 150 premenopausal, regular cycling women with DM-1, as well as a reference population of 177 healthy, fertile women.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

In a single-study visit, an inventory of both ovarian reserve and vascular status was carried out in the DM-1 group. A transvaginal ultrasound to calculate the antral follicle count (AFC) and blood sampling for anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), lipids, C-reactive protein and HbA1c measurements were performed. Furthermore, vascular screening including measurements of blood pressure, flow-mediated dilation, peripheral arterial tonometry, pulse wave velocity, pulse wave analysis and intima-media thickness was carried out. The relative decrease in serum AMH levels in women with DM-1 compared with healthy references was investigated.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Systolic blood pressure was negatively correlated with both serum AMH (P= 0.006) and AFC (P= 0.004) in the DM-1 group. A non-linear relationship between HDL-cholesterol and serum AMH was found (P= 0.0001). No associations were detected between other vascular risk factors or vascular function tests and serum AMH or AFC in women with DM-1. With regard to the comparison of AMH levels between women with and without DM-1, mean AMH levels were 2.5 ± 1.9 ng/ml and 3.0 ± 2.8 ng/ml, respectively. After adjustment for confounders the difference in AMH levels between both groups appeared non-significant (fold change: 0.92, 95% confidence interval: 0.68-1.23).

LIMITATIONS, REASON FOR CAUTION

The use of different AMH assays and the cross-sectional design may limit the interpretation of this study.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

The lack of evident association between vascular health and ovarian ageing may be the result of an insufficient vascular compromise in the relatively young, DM-1 group.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS

No external funding was received for conducting or publishing this study. F.Y., W.S., A.F., F.L.J.V., M.J.C.E. and H.W.d.V. have nothing to disclose. F.J.M.B. has received fees and grant support from the following companies: Ferring, Gedeon Richter, Merck Serono, Medical Specialties Distributors and Roche.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Not applicable.

Diabetes and Menopause

During menopause, women's body composition, sex hormone profile, and metabolic profile may change dramatically. In this review, we summarize studies examining whether the menopausal transition and physiologic factors characterizing the transition are associated with increased risk of diabetes. We review the evidence for estrogen therapy and diabetes risk and studies examining the relationship between diabetes and menarche, which represents an extension of the reproductive life span at the opposite end of the age spectrum. Although studied less extensively, the presence of type 1 or type 2 diabetes may increase the risk of ovarian failure, and we review this literature. In conclusion, we note that the evidence linking menopausal sex hormone changes with increased diabetes risk is weak, although rapid changes as observed with oophorectomy may increase risk. Further studies should investigate the contradictory effects of estrogen therapy upon hepatic and glucose metabolism in mid-life women.

Using technology to advance type 1 diabetes care among women during the reproductive years and in pregnancy

The prevalence of diabetes is increasing globally. Technology to improve care among individuals with diabetes is constantly being developed. Women living with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) have unique challenges affecting their glucose control relating to menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause. The purpose of this review is to examine the literature related to the use of technology to help women with T1DM manage their diabetes during the reproductive years, pregnancy, and beyond. Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy can provider equivalent or better glucose control when compared with multiple daily injections (MDI), with less hypoglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, and weight gain. The CSII therapy has features that could help improve glucose control over the menstrual cycle, menopause, and pregnancy, although the most studied of these stages is pregnancy. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) can be combined with any insulin delivery system (MDI or CSII) to provide data on glucose values every few minutes and show glucose trends over time. CGM introduction can highlight glucose variability for women with T1DM, may be beneficial during pregnancy, and can reduce hypoglycemia. Sensor-augmented pump therapy and hybrid artificial pancreas (closed-loop) systems are promising tools that improve outcomes among individuals with diabetes. The use of modern technology to improve glucose and metabolic control among menopausal women with diabetes has not been well studied. Internet and phone-based technologies are emerging as important tools that may help with diabetes self-care for women living with diabetes.

RAS and sex differences in diabetic nephropathy

The incidence and progression of kidney diseases are influenced by sex. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is an important regulator of cardiovascular and renal function. Sex differences in the renal response to RAS blockade have been demonstrated. Circulating and renal RAS has been shown to be altered in type 1 and type 2 diabetes; this enzymatic cascade plays a critical role in the development of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and ACE2 are differentially regulated depending on its localization within the diabetic kidney. Furthermore, clinical and experimental studies have shown that circulating levels of sex hormones are clearly modulated in the context of diabetes, suggesting that sex-dependent RAS regulation may be also be affected in these individuals. The effect of sex hormones on circulating and renal RAS may be involved in the sex differences observed in DN progression. In this paper we will review the influence of sex hormones on RAS expression and its relation to diabetic kidney disease. A better understanding of the sex dimorphism on RAS might provide a new approach for diabetic kidney disease treatment.

Early Menopause in Type 2 Diabetes - A Study from a South Indian Tertiary Care Centre

INTRODUCTION

Menopause marks the end of ovarian function and it is called 'early' or 'premature' if it occurs before 45 years. Very little is known about the menopause transition in Diabetic women. Metabolic disorders like diabetes will accelerate the reproductive ageing and determine premature ovarian failure by various mechanisms. Early menopause along with diabetes has a synergistic effect over the incidence of cardiovascular diseases and other illnesses. There is no data regarding menopausal age in Indian population. Hence, present study was aimed at understanding the age of menopause in diabetic Indian women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was carried out at a tertiary care, teaching hospital in Southern India. Post-menopausal women who attended the Department of Medicine during August 2013 to August 2014, were included in the study. Six hundred patients were recruited by a systematic random sampling, 300 diabetic and 300 non-diabetic after obtaining their consents. They were all non-smokers, took mixed diet and other somatometric variables were similar in both the groups.

RESULTS

Average age of menopause among diabetic women was 44.65 years which is much earlier than the menopause in non-diabetic women (48.2 years). Out of the 600 women, 212 women had an early menopause (<45 yrs.). Among them, 54 were non-diabetic and 158 were diabetic. Present study also revealed a higher BMI among the diabetics than the non-diabetic women. This may be due to the changes in body composition and increase in abdominal fat after menopause. This change is more in diabetics due to the disturbances in insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.

CONCLUSION

The present study confirms that Type 2 Diabetes increases the risk of early menopause. The study reinforces the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of diabetes for a long term well being of a woman.

Impact of combined exercise training on cardiovascular autonomic control and mortality in diabetic ovariectomized rats

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of aerobic, resistance, or combined exercise training on cardiovascular autonomic control and mortality in diabetic ovariectomized rats. Female Wistar rats were divided into one of five groups: euglycemic sedentary (ES), diabetic ovariectomized sedentary (DOS), diabetic ovariectomized aerobic-trained (DOTA), diabetic ovariectomized resistance-trained (DOTR), or diabetic ovariectomized aerobic+resistance-trained (DOTC). Arterial pressure (AP) was directly recorded and baroreflex sensitivity was evaluated by heart rate responses to AP changes. Cardiovascular autonomic modulation was evaluated by spectral analyses. No differences were observed in body weight and glycemia between diabetic rats. Animals in the DOTC and DOTA groups exhibited an increase in running time, whereas animals in the DOTC and DOTR groups showed greater strength. Trained groups exhibited improvement in total power and the high-frequency band of pulse interval and reduced mortality (vs. DOS). Animals in the DOTC (bradycardic and tachycardic responses) and DOTA (tachycardic responses) groups exhibited attenuation in baroreflex dysfunction that was observed in DOS and DOTR animals, and an improvement in AP variance. In conclusion, all training protocols led to reduced mortality, which may be due to an increase in physical capacity and to cardiovascular and autonomic benefits following training, regardless of any improvement in glycemic control. In this model, the aerobic and combined trainings seem to promote additional cardiovascular autonomic benefits when compared with resistance training alone.

Ovarian failure in diabetic rat model: nuclear factor-kappaB, oxidative stress, and pentraxin-3

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of diabetes mellitus (DM) on ovarian reserve and injury by considering laboratory and histopathological parameters in rat models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An experimental DM model was created in 16 rats. Eight rats with normal blood glucose levels were included in the control group. Diabetic rats were divided randomly into two groups: nontreated and resveratrol-treated groups. Histopathological examination and nuclear factor (NF)-κB immunoexpression level determination were performed. Plasma malondialdehyde, glutathione, pentraxin-3, and anti-Müllerian hormone levels were measured. Relations between the variables were compared by Student t test, analysis of variance, and Mann-Whitney U and χ(2) tests.

RESULTS

We found statistically significantly lower glutathione and anti-Müllerian hormone levels, and higher malondialdehyde and pentraxin-3 levels in nontreated diabetic group when compared with the control and resveratrol-treated diabetic groups. Stromal degeneration, follicle degeneration, stromal fibrosis scores, and NF-κB immunoexpression levels were significantly higher in nontreated diabetic rats. Primordial and primary follicle counts were significantly lower in the nontreated diabetic group when compared with the control and resveratrol-treated groups. There was no statistically significant difference in secondary and tertiary follicles between these groups.

CONCLUSION

These findings provide strong evidence that the ovarian follicle pool in nontreated diabetic rats is affected in the early stages of the follicle development process. We precluded negative effects of DM on ovaries by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway with resveratrol. We thought that the NF-κB pathway plays a role in the pathophysiology of ovarian failure in diabetic rats. Further studies should evaluate this precise mechanism that leads to a decline in the anti-Müllerian hormone levels. In addition, the relationship between this abnormality and reproductive function in diabetic patients should be analyzed further.