Women With Diabetes Less Likely to Receive Essential Preventive Care
- A new analysis published April 3, 2026, in the Journal of General Internal Medicine suggests that women with diabetes are less likely to receive essential preventive healthcare compared...
- The research, led by senior author Lauren Wisk, PhD, an associate professor of medicine at UCLA Health, was based on a meta-analysis of 44 studies.
- These findings are important because they identify that women with diabetes are not receiving recommended well-woman care, which is essential to support both managing their diabetes and their...
A new analysis published April 3, 2026, in the Journal of General Internal Medicine
suggests that women with diabetes are less likely to receive essential preventive healthcare compared to women without the condition. The UCLA-led study indicates that physicians frequently overlook routine well-woman services for patients with Diabetes Mellitus (DM), which may increase the risk of preventable medical complications.
The research, led by senior author Lauren Wisk, PhD, an associate professor of medicine at UCLA Health, was based on a meta-analysis of 44 studies. These studies focused on women between the ages of 15 and 49 with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes, excluding those with gestational diabetes or diabetes insipidus.
These findings are important because they identify that women with diabetes are not receiving recommended well-woman care, which is essential to support both managing their diabetes and their overall health
Lauren Wisk, PhD
Significant Gaps in Preventive Services
Researchers evaluated four primary categories of preventive health services: pre-conception counseling, contraceptive counseling and use, screening for sexually transmitted infections and breast and cervical cancer screenings. The data revealed that women with diabetes received fewer of these services across nearly every category.
Regarding contraceptive services, the analysis found that less than 50 percent of women with diabetes received birth control counseling, compared to approximately 62 percent of women without the disease. Women with diabetes were 10 to 20 percent less likely to undergo cervical cancer screenings.
Fertility and pre-pregnancy counseling rates were described as low and inconsistent, with some studies reporting rates as low as 1 percent. The researchers also noted a significant gap in available data, as they found no studies comparing sexually transmitted infection screening rates between the two groups.
Health Risks and Downstream Complications
Medical experts warn that these gaps in care can lead to serious, preventable health outcomes. Neha Narula, MD, a clinical assistant professor and primary care doctor at the Stanford University School of Medicine, noted that these discrepancies have real consequences for women’s health, with high-stakes downstream complications
.
For those planning a pregnancy, the lack of pre-conception counseling is particularly concerning. Marilyn Tan, MD, an endocrinologist at Stanford Health Care, stated that unmanaged diabetes can increase the risk of complications for both the mother and the baby. These risks include:
- Preterm birth
- Stillbirth
- Birth defects
- Increased likelihood of cesarean (C-section) delivery
Beyond pregnancy, the failure to provide routine cancer screenings can lead to delayed diagnoses, which may impact treatment timelines and increase mortality risks. Diabetes can impact reproductive and sexual health by increasing the susceptibility to urinary tract infections and yeast infections.
Systemic Barriers to Care
The study highlights a paradox in healthcare: women with diabetes often have more frequent interactions with the medical system than those without the disease, yet they still miss out on comprehensive preventive care. Dr. Narula observed that this occurs across the board
rather than in just one specific area of health.
Dr. Wisk attributed these gaps partly to a fragmented U.S. Healthcare system and poor care coordination. Many women with diabetes utilize their endocrinologist as their primary care provider. However, Dr. Tan explained that endocrinology visits typically focus on medications and blood sugar management, and most endocrinology offices do not routinely provide age-appropriate cancer screenings or contraception counseling.
The researchers also pointed to deeper socioeconomic disparities. Populations at a higher risk for diabetes—including racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with lower incomes, and younger adults—often face more significant barriers to accessing routine preventive services.
Study Limitations and Patient Advocacy
The authors acknowledged several limitations in the meta-analysis. Many of the 44 included studies were small or limited to a single setting. Some relied on patient recall, which can introduce errors. While the findings show a clear association between diabetes and lower rates of preventive care, they do not explain the exact cause of these gaps.
To mitigate these risks, health professionals recommend that women with diabetes take an active role in their healthcare. Neha Vyas, MD, an assistant clinical professor and primary care physician at Cleveland Clinic, emphasized the importance of maintaining a relationship with a primary care doctor, as their core focus is on prevention.
Dr. Narula suggests several strategies for patients to ensure their preventive needs are met:
- Ask specific questions regarding age-appropriate screenings and family planning.
- Maintain a list of required preventive services to stay informed.
- Collaborate with a trusted provider to track due dates for screenings.
- Schedule separate wellness visits specifically for preventive care and family planning.
Dr. Narula concluded that preventive care should not be a secondary priority to chronic conditions such as diabetes
.