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New research suggests that women with type 2 diabetes are less likely than men to be prescribed statins to prevent heart attacks and strokes.
The condition, which occurs when the body does not produce insulin properly, increases the risk of cardiovascular disease in both sexes.
However, a study published in the journal Circulation suggests that there may be a "prescription bias" in treatment.
The research, funded by the charity Diabetes UK, also found that men and women with the disease now had a similar relative increase in their risk of cardiovascular disease.
Previously, a larger proportional increase was observed in women, said the authors.
Researchers at the University of Manchester analyzed data on 80,000 newly diagnosed people with type 2 diabetes in England between 2006 and 2013.
The study found that in this group, 11.6% of women and 12.8% of men developed cardiovascular disease.
This compared with 7.4% of women and 8.1% of men without diabetes.
At the same time, women with type 2 diabetes were 26% less likely to be prescribed ACE inhibitors and 16% less likely to receive statins than men with the condition.
They also found that women already showing certain symptoms of cardiovascular disease were 37% less likely to receive ACE inhibitors and 41% less likely to receive statins than men.
Dr. Elizabeth Robertson, Director of Research at Diabetes UK, said, "These new findings suggest that the prospects for women with type 2 diabetes are better than expected, thanks to improved care.
"However, we must ensure that all people with type 2 diabetes benefit from the best possible treatments and care to minimize the risk of life-threatening cardiovascular complications, such as a heart attack or stroke." . "
Researchers believe that sexist bias in prescriptions may be due to differences in cardiovascular disease symptoms between men and women or in the attitudes of health care workers and patients.
Dr. Martin Rutter, a researcher at the University of Manchester, said: "Further research is now needed to understand the reasons for these differences in prescription between men and women and to find ways to close the gap.
"Primary care research is especially needed because it is here that most people with type 2 diabetes are treated."
– Press Association
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