Diabetes is a disease that occurs in the body when the blood sugar (glucose) levels are too high. Diabetes can cause serious health problems, like heart attacks, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, problems during pregnancy, etc.
Diabetes affects women and men almost equally; however, diabetes affects women differently than men. Compared with men with diabetes, women with diabetes have a higher risk for heart disease, lower survival rates and a poorer quality of life after heart attack, a higher risk for blindness and a higher risk for depression.
Diabetes in women seems to have become very common these days. According to the National Library of Medicine, “there are currently over 199 million women living with diabetes, and this is projected to increase to 313 million by 2040. Diabetes is the ninth leading direct cause of death in women globally, causing 2.1 million deaths each year, most of them premature.”
Diabetic women are more prone to vaginal infections, and diabetes has an impact on pregnancy. Furthermore, women who have diabetes are at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease than men who have diabetes. Complications like yeast infections and other sexual diseases are seen more in a diabetic woman. Diabetic women also have a greater chance of developing diabetic ketoacidosis, or DKA, which can cause a coma.
Women can be affected by all three kinds of diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes. Here, the body’s immune (defense) system attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. Hence the body is not able to make insulin.
Type 2 diabetes. With type 2 diabetes, the body does not make enough insulin or is not able to use its own insulin correctly. This causes the blood glucose levels to rise.
Gestational diabetes. Happens only during pregnancy and goes away afterwards but can cause health problems for the baby and the mother if not controlled. It also raises the risk for type 2 diabetes later.
Symptoms of diabetes in women
- Candida infections
This is an overgrowth of yeast that is caused by the Candida fungus and can result in vaginal or oral yeast infections. Symptoms include vaginal itching, vaginal discharge, painful sex and soreness.
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
UTIs develop when bacteria enter the urinary tract. The risk for this is higher in women who have diabetes, and this can cause painful urination, a burning sensation during urination, and bloody or cloudy urine.
- Vaginal dryness
This occurs when high blood sugar levels have affected the nerve fibers. This can cause tingling and loss of feeling in different parts of the body, including the hands, feet, and legs, as well as in the vaginal area leading to symptoms like vaginal dryness.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is also associated with a type of insulin resistance that raises blood sugar levels and increases one’s risk of developing diabetes. Insulin resistance can either be a cause or a symptom of PCOS. Symptoms of PCOS include irregular periods, acne, infertility, and weight gain.
Risk factors for type 1 diabetes in women include:
- Age
- Family health history
- Certain viral infections or illnesses
- Region of habitation (Colder Climates).
Risk factors for type 2 diabetes in women include:
- Overweight or obesity
- Age (45 or older)
- Family health history
- Having a baby that weighed 9 pounds or more at birth.
- Having diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes)
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Lack of physical activity
- Personal history of heart disease or stroke
Diabetes can be managed by maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, and using FDA-approved insulin, other medications, and devices every day.
Treatment for diabetes
There’s currently no cure for diabetes. You can only manage your symptoms. Women may encounter some peculiar challenges while trying to manage their blood sugar and diabetes. For example, some birth control pills can increase blood sugar levels. However, you can always speak to a qualified medical practitioner to know how best to manage your symptoms once you’ve been diagnosed.
Other ways to help manage your diabetes are described below.
- Medications
There’s a variety of medications that can be used to manage diabetic symptoms and complications. Many new classes of diabetes medications are out there however some of the most common ones include:
- Insulin therapy (For people with type 1 diabetes)
- Metformin (Used to lower blood sugar levels)
- Lifestyle changes
Lifestyle changes can also help manage diabetic symptoms. Lifestyle changes like:
- Exercise
- Quit Smoking
- Healthy eating and
- Constantly monitoring your blood sugar levels
- Alternative remedies
For these remedies, more conclusive research needs to be done to fully understand the benefits they provide for people with diabetes.
These alternative remedies include:
- Use of supplements like chromium and magnesium
- Use of herbs and seeds like buckwheat, sage, and fenugreek seeds
Diabetes is a serious condition in both men and women and care should be taken for all people to control diabetes. Diabetes can look and feel different for women. Identifying and treating the unique symptoms and risks of women with diabetes may lead to a better quality of life.
If you are a woman with diabetes, make sure that you educate yourself concerning the condition. Know what to expect, and how to manage your condition. Also, make sure to consult a doctor before trying any new diabetes remedies, even if they’re natural. They may interact with any treatments or medications you’re currently on.
With Love and gratitude as always, Xo!
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Disclaimer: Please note that I am not your doctor while I am a health coach by profession. This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice nor does it establish any kind of medical relationship between you and me. I will not be held liable for any damage resulting from or related to your use of this information.