DAME-Cohort
The effect of the menopausal transition on glucose regulation in women with type 1 diabetes
Background and Rationale
Women with type 1 diabetes may find it more difficult to regulate their glucose levels compared to men, as they are more likely to experience hormonal fluctuations. Blood glucose levels can fluctuate during the different phases of the menstrual cycle and insulin requirements change during pregnancy. During the menopausal transition hormonal fluctuations also occur, with estradiol and progesterone levels declining after menopause.
The menopausal transition is associated with metabolic changes that may affect glucose regulation. Whether and how the menopausal transition affects glucose regulation in women with type 1 diabetes is not known. However, it is known that two-thirds of women with type 1 diabetes experience changes in glucose regulation during the menopause. The menopausal transition can be divided into different stages: premenopausal, early and late perimenopausal, and early and late postmenopausal. In this study we aim to investigate if the glucose regulation changes during the different stages of menopausal transition in women with diabetes.
Study Objectives
The DAME-cohort aims to investigate the influence of menopausal transition on glucose regulation, measured in time-in-range and glucose variation (%CV).
Study Design & Study Population
The DAME-cohort is a longitudinal cohort study in women aged 40-60 years at the time of inclusion who have type 1 diabetes. Participants complete online questionnaires each year during their menopausal transition and give permission for the following data to be extracted from their medical records: glucose sensor data, height, weight, abdominal circumference, and medication use. Participants are recruited in Diabeter Centrum Amsterdam
Study Procedures and Data Collection
The study consists of yearly online questionnaires sent via e-mail from the moment of inclusion until the participant is five years after her last menstruation.
The four questionnaires contain questions about menstrual cycle, climacteric complaints, diabetes and experienced glucose regulation. Futhermore, participants give permission that the researcher can extract the following data from their medical record: glucose sensor data, height, length, abdominal circumference and medication use.
Inquiries about this study can be sent to diabetesmenopauze@amsterdamumc.nl