Reproductive lifespan in relation to diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome in a nationally representative population
Main finding · DiabetesResult — go to the resultOdds ratio 2.23 95% CI 1.05–4.73Authors' conclusion
A relatively short RLS may be associated with higher odds of diabetes, although this association did not follow a clear dose-response pattern.
Study context
- Population
- Postmenopausal women, US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–2018; mean age 54.1 years; mean reproductive lifespan (RLS) 38.5 years
- Participants
- 868 women
- Exposure
- Quartiles of reproductive lifespan vs reference quartile
- Outcome
- Diabetes and metabolic syndrome
Methodological detailsnationally representative, weighted logistic regression accounting for complex survey design
- Nationally representative
- Weighted logistic regression accounting for complex survey design
Main finding
Diabetes
Odds ratio
2.23
95% CI 1.05–4.73
36-39 yearsvs 40-42 years
OR 2.23 (95% CI 1.05–4.73)
As reported in the abstract
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Metabolic syndrome
- No robust association between RLS and metabolic syndrome
Sensitivity analyses
- Findings consistent when including surgical menopause and further adjusting for dietary factors
Original publication
Reproductive lifespan in relation to diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome in a nationally representative population. BMJ Open Diabetes Res Care. Published 7 September 2026. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →