Reproductive Transitions and Cardiometabolic Burden in Type 2 Diabetic Women: A Sri Lankan Cross-sectional Analysis

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of mortality among women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and remains understudied. This study examined the association between reproductive and metabolic factors with CVD risk in T2DM women. Methods & Materials : CVD risk was assessed in 293 women with T2DM at Colombo South Teaching Hospital using the Framingham Risk Score. Data on CVD risk factors and reproductive history were collected using a pre tested interviewer administered questioner. The demographic parameters and correlations were assessed. Multiple regression analysis was performed to identify the Impact of risk factors. Results: Prevenances observed as follows, dyslipidemia 25.9%, elevated LDL cholesterol 41.3%, hypertriglyceridemia 33.1%, low HDL cholesterol 19.5%, hypertension 54.9%, overweight 50.8%, and central obesity 98.0%. Only 17.06% women achieved the three therapeutic targets (fasting blood sugar, Blood Pressure and blood lipids). The CVD risk was significantly high among postmenopausal women than premenopausal women (p<0.001). Menopause status, gestational diabetes mellitus, use of hormonal contraceptives and age at menopause were significantly correlated with the CVD risk (p<0.001). The multiple linear regression analysis showed that menopause status, DBP, LDL/HDL ratio and time since menopause were significant contributors to CVD risk in the Study Population (p< 0.001). Among the postmenopausal group, DBP, LDL/HDL ratio, and time since menopause were found to be significant contributors for CVD risk (p<0.001). Conclusion: Postmenopausal women with T2DM face a significantly higher CVD risk in studied Sri Lankan population, with DBP, LDL/HDL ratio, and time since menopause identified as key contributors. Poor achievement of therapeutic targets highlights the need for targeted interventions to manage CVD risk in this population. Ethical Clearance: This study received approval from the Ethical Review Committee of Colombo South Teaching Hospital (Application No:986).