March is Women’s History Month—a time to recognize women’s strength, resilience, and contributions across all fields, including healthcare.

Yet, despite the progress made, women still face significant disparities in medical treatment, particularly when it comes to chronic conditions like type 1 diabetes (T1D). From being dismissed by healthcare providers to struggling for equitable research representation, women must often become their own strongest advocates.

At T1D Exchange, we believe in empowering women to take charge of their health. In this article, we’ll explore women’s healthcare challenges and how to advocate for yourself if you are feeling unheard or dismissed.

 

The Reality of Healthcare Disparities for Women

Women’s health concerns have historically been overlooked or minimized in medical research and practice. Studies show that women are more likely to have their symptoms dismissed, wait longer for diagnoses, and receive inadequate pain management compared to men.

These issues are even more pronounced for women with chronic illnesses like T1D, where symptoms can vary significantly due to hormonal fluctuations.

For women with T1D, additional challenges include:

  • Hormonal Impact on Blood Sugar: Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone throughout menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause can affect insulin sensitivity, yet research in this area remains limited.
  • Diagnostic Delays and Dismissals: Women are more likely to be misdiagnosed or have their symptoms attributed to anxiety or stress before receiving a correct T1D diagnosis.
  • Lack of Research on Menopause: Historically, clinical trials have largely overlooked the impact of menopause on diabetes management, leaving many women without clear guidelines on how hormonal changes affect blood sugar management, insulin sensitivity, and overall health.

These systemic issues highlight the urgent need for women to be active participants in their healthcare journeys.

 

How Women Can Advocate for Themselves in Healthcare

Navigating the healthcare system can be challenging, but there are strategies women can use to ensure their voices are heard:

 

1. Know Your Body and Track Your Health

Keeping a detailed record of your blood sugar patterns, symptoms, and how different factors (such as stress, exercise, and menstrual cycles) affect your T1D management can provide valuable data for discussions with your healthcare provider.

Using apps, journals, or continuous glucose monitoring reports can strengthen your case when seeking adjustments in treatment.

 

2. Speak Up and Ask Questions

Don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider about treatment options, side effects, and alternative approaches. If your concerns are dismissed, persist. Phrases like:

  • “I understand that’s the standard approach, but based on my experience, I believe something else might be happening. Can we explore other possibilities?”
  • “I’d like to understand the research behind this recommendation. Can you provide more information?”

Statements like these can help guide the conversation toward your needs while prompting your provider to explain their decision-making process in more detail. This ensures you receive more information, empowering you to make well-informed decisions about your healthcare treatment.

 

3. Seek a Second Opinion

If you feel unheard or are dissatisfied with your care, seeking a second opinion is a valid and often necessary step. Different providers may have different perspectives, and finding one who respects your concerns and values your input can make all the difference.

 

4. Bring an Advocate

Having a trusted friend, family member, or other supporter accompany you to appointments can help reinforce your perspective. An advocate can take notes, ask questions, and ensure that your concerns are acknowledged.

 

Resources for Women in Healthcare Advocacy

Women don’t have to advocate alone—here are a couple of organizations and tools to provide guidance, support, and community:

 

Women Advocating for Themselves in Type 1 Diabetes

Many women in the T1D community are driving change by advocating for better research, policies, and patient care. From raising awareness on social media to participating in clinical trials, their voices are shaping the future of diabetes management.

“I was diagnosed in 1992 when resources and education for T1D were still pretty limited. The first two years are critical in a diagnosis like this because it is where you develop habits that last throughout your diabetic journey. I wish that I had a better education and adjustment to my new life in the first two years as I continue to struggle with overall control, diet, and management of T1D. Additional issues that compound this are being an African American woman and currently in menopause age, and it seems that there is very little research done to help women address hormonal issues affecting T1D.” – Felicia, Registry participant since 2020. 

T1D Exchange is committed to expanding research on women and type 1 diabetes, particularly in areas that have long been under-researched. We are addressing this gap through our recent study on menopause and T1D. While the data is still in the review phase, we’re excited to share the findings once they become available—stay tuned!

 

In summary

Women have always been powerful agents of change in healthcare. While challenges persist, knowledge, perseverance, and support can empower women to advocate for themselves and others in the T1D community. This Women’s History Month, let’s continue breaking barriers and demanding better, more equitable healthcare.

Want to make sure your voice is heard? Participate in research and share your story by joining our Registry!

Together, we will continue working to create a healthcare system that truly listens to and values women.