A new global study has found that men are more likely than women to die from high blood pressure, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS. This is despite the fact that both sexes are equally likely to develop these diseases.
The study, published May 1 in PLOS Medicine, looked at health data from countries around the world. It showed that men are not only at higher risk of dying from these illnesses, but are also less likely to seek treatment or follow medical advice.
Men and Women Get Sick at Similar Rates—but Outcomes Differ
Researchers found that men and women are diagnosed with high blood pressure and diabetes at similar rates. However, men are more likely to skip regular checkups or ignore treatment plans, which can lead to more serious complications and even death.
Angela Chang, a senior researcher and associate professor of public health at the University of Southern Denmark, said:
“Sex differences persist at nearly every point along the health pathway, but many health programs don’t reflect these differences.”
Men Receive Less Care for Serious Diseases
The study analyzed health system data from dozens of countries to see how men and women are treated differently.
It found that men are:
More likely to get sick from HIV, diabetes, and high blood pressure
Less likely to access or stick with medical treatment
More likely to die from these diseases
Different Risk Factors for Men and Women
Even though men and women may develop the same illness, their risk factors can differ.
For example:
Men smoke more than women in 86% of the countries studied. Smoking raises the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.
Women had higher obesity rates in 65% of the countries, which increases the risk of diabetes.
These risk differences can affect how each disease progresses and how well a person responds to treatment.
Experts Call for Gender-Specific Health Strategies
The researchers say health systems should do more to address these differences between men and women.
They recommend creating health campaigns that focus on encouraging men to get regular checkups, start treatments early, and stick with care plans.
“Too often, public health messages are one-size-fits-all,” said Chang. “But we need targeted strategies to reach men and reduce these preventable deaths.”
What This Means for You
If you’re a man, don’t ignore early signs of illness like fatigue, high blood pressure, or blood sugar issues.
Talk to your doctor about routine screenings for chronic conditions.
If you’re on medication, follow your treatment plan to stay healthy.
Healthy lifestyle choices—like quitting smoking, eating better, and exercising—can greatly reduce your risk.
