Increasing the Representation of Women in Diabetes Research

Abstract

Approximately half of all people with diabetes are women; however, the inclusion of women at all levels of research on diabetes is lacking. Clinical and pre-clinical trials do not have gender equity despite the differing progression of diabetes complications in women, and fewer women sit in academic or clinical leadership positions in diabetes than men. Whilst this scenario is not unique to diabetes, the purpose of this opinion article is to evaluate women’s position in diabetology and focus on why the drive for gender equity at all levels is important. This article serves as a preface to the upcoming Diabetology Women’s Special Issue Series, which aims to highlight and celebrate the achievements of women and people who identify as women in the hope of raising female voices in diabetes research and practice.