Korea University study investigates the link between early menopause and type 2 diabetes risk

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease linked to severe health complications, including cardiovascular diseases and increased mortality. While genetics, obesity, and lifestyle factors are known risk factors, this study emphasises the role of women-specific factors, particularly age at menopause, in influencing diabetes risk.

Menopause marks a major hormonal shift in a woman’s life, influencing metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and overall glucose control. While the role of estrogen in these processes is well known, the impact of menopause timing on diabetes risk has remained unclear.

To tackle this gap, researchers from Korea University analyzed health data from 1,125,378 postmenopausal women in South Korea to investigate the link between menopause timing and Type 2 diabetes. The team of researchers led by Associate Professor Ga Eun Nam from Korea University, revealed that women who experienced premature menopause, which occurs before the age of 40, had a higher risk of Type 2 diabetes, with the risk increasing as the age of menopause decreased. The study was published in Volume 8, No. 1 of the JAMA Network Open on January 21, 2025.

The researchers found that women who experienced premature menopause (before age 40) had a significantly higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes compared to those who underwent menopause at the typical age of 50 years or older. Notably, the risk of diabetes increased as the age of menopause decreased, highlighting the critical influence of hormonal changes on metabolic health.

The study suggests that the absence of estrogen, which plays a key role in maintaining insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, may contribute to this increased risk. As lead author Prof. Nam explains, “Women who have experienced premature or early menopause may have a higher risk of Type 2 diabetes compared to the average woman, so it's necessary to pay more attention to maintaining an appropriate weight and lifestyle modification, such as engaging in regular exercise and keeping a balanced diet.”

The findings also emphasize the importance of early detection and proactive management. The researchers recommend that women with a history of premature or early menopause undergo regular health check-ups and lifestyle interventions to reduce their risk of Type 2 diabetes. Prof. Nam further advises, “It's important to deal with it early through active regular check-ups.”

This large-scale study not only provides valuable insights into the link between menopause timing and diabetes risk but also suggests the potential for targeted screening and prevention programs tailored to women at higher risk. According to Prof. Nam, “Research linking premature menopause to increased Type 2 diabetes risk could transform healthcare within a decade by enabling targeted screening, updating clinical guidelines, developing tailored prevention programs, and empowering women through education.”

These findings underscore the need for greater awareness and a comprehensive approach to women's health that considers menopause as a significant transition influencing metabolic health. This study contributes to a growing body of research recognizing the importance of hormonal changes in diabetes prevention and management.

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Reference      
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.55388

About Korea University College of Medicine
Korea University College of Medicine is the medical school of Korea University. It is located in Seoul, South Korea. As one of the oldest medical schools in South Korea, it has been historically regarded as one of the country's top medical schools. The school was founded as Chosun Women's Medical Training Institute in 1928 by Rosetta Sherwood Hall. The institute was subsequently renamed several times and ultimately merged with Korea University to become Korea University College of Medicine. So far, the school has produced over 7,000 graduates, most of whom are working as prominent physicians and public health advocates worldwide.

Website: https://medicine.korea.ac.kr/en/index.do

About the author
Prof. Ga Eun Nam is an Associate Professor of Family Medicine at Korea University. Her research group conducts research using health big data to explore risk factors and outcomes associated with various chronic metabolic diseases. By developing predictive models incorporating various health variables, she aims to enable the early identification of high-risk populations and create personalized prevention strategies. Her ultimate goal is to contribute to public health through evidence-based approaches that inform tailored health management and policy development, thereby improving population wellbeing.

Funding Information
This work was supported by Korea University and by National Research Foundation of Korea grant 2019R1I1A1A01061188 funded by the Korea Ministry of Science and Information and Communication Technology.