Rather researchers believe the higher rates of hospitalizations among young women, ages 20-39, compared to men were potentially due to increases in diabetes prevalence related to the higher national rates of obesity for women vs. men in this age group.

Previous studies have shown that women with diabetes use less preventative care, are less likely to receive aggressive medical management and experience worse outcomes after hospitalization for cardiovascular problems. For the study, the team evaluated the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database, the largest database of hospital discharges. Other findings:Women vs. men. Starting in 1993, more women than men were hospitalized with diabetes even after exclusion of hospitalizations associated with pregnancy. Rates were higher among women in the younger age groups, but higher among men after age 50.

Hospitalization trends. For all ages and sexes, diabetes hospitalizations increased, from 10.3 percent in 1993 to 17.6 percent 14 years later.

An estimated 24 million Americans have diabetes, a condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal. There is no cure, but those with diabetes can manage the disease with medications, a healthy diet and exercise. Diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S.

SOURCE University of Michigan Health System