The problems that surround diabetes “can put vulnerable women who have or who are prone to have this disease,” according to researcher in sociology of food Liliana Martinez.
The expert stressed that there is a little explored element of the consequences of the disease since “in many countries, access to health systems as well as the procurement of prevention care for chronic lifestyle diseases occur unevenly” .
“The consideration of the position of women as vulnerable subjects in this type of situation does not respond to purely biological issues but to ideologies that have a direct impact on the quality of life,” said Martinez on the occasion of World Diabetes Day, which It is celebrated on November 14.
Their argument is based on the lack of protection and access to health systems in people who are not engaged in formal economic activities (mostly women) according to an ideology in which women’s health is left in a second order of attention .
Martinez estimates that “the priority is given to those who have a paid activity.”
Given that this disease is closely related to lifestyle and involves daily actions that influence the physical and emotional well-being of people, it is denounced that in many cultures the role of women is relegated to the background and this “also It has consequences on your health. ”
“An example of this is how in some communities with vulnerable situations the best portion of food is reserved for the man in the house,” he said.
The role of “serving” assumed by women in some cultures means that their health can also be compromised.
Martínez proposes that the treatment of the disease not only include the physical part but “the whole social apparatus that exists behind”.
According to data from the National Health Survey (Ensanut) 2016, the prevalence of diabetes in Mexico went from 9.2% in 2012 to 9.4% in 2016, and – according to the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi) – in 2015 it claimed the lives of 98,521 people.
This disease is the leading cause of death in Mexico.
