While nearly equal numbers of women and men in the U.S. are affected by diabetes, the health consequences and complications are more severe for women than men. Women with a diagnosis of diabetes find it more difficult to exercise and they have a 25% - 50% increased risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke.

Diabetes is one example of problems with the body’s metabolism, or how we process food and nutrients into fuels for our cells and tissues to function. Our researchers seek to better understand how problems with metabolism are linked to health issues. For example, we know that children exposed to diabetes in the womb have a greater likelihood of becoming obese during childhood and for developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Our research is finding answers to inform diabetes prevention and management and providing women with tools to break the cycle of disease in their own lives and the lives of their children and grandchildren.

Josie Broussard

Understanding the Link Between Poor Sleep and Diabetes

"Insufficient sleep leads to insulin resistance - the biggest risk factor for the development of diabetes. This is especially problematic for women as they are more likely to suffer from poor sleep quality. My research is examining insulin sensitivity in muscle and fat tissue before and after insufficient sleep to understand the role of sex differences during sleep. Our findings could help to define better preventions and treatments."

Josiane L. Broussard PhD
Assistant Professor, Department of Health and Exercise Science
Colorado State University
Affiliate, Department of Integrative Physiology
University of Colorado Boulder

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