While diabetes has been linked to the risk of developing uterine fibroids, the association is not completely proven, said experts on Sunday.Uterine fibroids are benign tumours of the uterus that frequently occur in women during their childbearing years.
The incidence of uterine fibroids is becoming a major gynaecological concern in young women in the country, but the precise cause remains unknown. The factors that are frequently associated with the condition include genetics and certain lifestyle factors.
“The idea that diabetes is linked to uterine fibroids is not proven, but the relationship is complex and still under study,” Dr Chetna Jain, Director of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Gurugram said.
“There is evidence suggesting that factors associated with diabetes, such as insulin resistance, obesity, and chronic inflammation, may contribute to the development of fibroids. However, the exact mechanisms and the strength of this association are not fully understood, and more research is needed to clarify the connection,” the doctor added.
Studies showed that between 20 per cent and 80 per cent of women develop uterine fibroids by the time they are 50. They are most common in women in their 40s and early 50s.
While some studies have shown a higher prevalence of uterine fibroids in women with diabetes, other factors like age and overall metabolic health also play significant roles in fibroid development.