Last updated on January 8, 2022
Content By: Dr. Nikita Toshi BDS, Assistant Manager (Medical Review) & Dr. Ritu Budania MBBS, MD (Pharmacology) Head, Medical Affairs
Last updated on January 8, 2022
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which a person’s blood sugar levels are abnormally high due to insulin processing or production issues. People of all ages, ethnicities and genders can be affected by diabetes.
How does diabetes occur? The body requires glucose for energy and the pancreas generates the hormone insulin, which aids in the conversion of glucose from meals into energy. Therefore, when your body produces insufficient insulin or none at all, glucose does not reach your cells to be used for energy. This causes either type 1 or type 2 diabetes hence, it is important to understand the diabetes difference between type 1 and type 2.
Type 1 diabetes, often known as juvenile diabetes, is an autoimmune disease. The body’s immune system destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas called beta cells, causing the body to stop generating insulin.
Type 2 diabetes is a disease in which cells cannot properly utilize blood sugar (glucose) for energy. When blood sugar levels rise too high over time, the cells become resistant to insulin.
Prediabetes is a condition that typically occurs before Type 2 diabetes develops. When your blood sugar level is greater than usual but not high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes, you have prediabetes.
While the occurrence of diabetes is not exclusive to a specific gender, sometimes the symptoms, causes and also outlook may look different for men and women. So now that we know the basics of diabetes, its types and how it occurs, let’s further look at how it translates differently in women and how it can play a role in some important phases of a woman’s life like puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause.
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which a person’s blood sugar levels are abnormally high due to insulin processing or production issues. People of all ages, ethnicities and genders can be affected by diabetes.
How does diabetes occur? The body requires glucose for energy and the pancreas generates the hormone insulin, which aids in the conversion of glucose from meals into energy. Therefore, when your body produces insufficient insulin or none at all, glucose does not reach your cells to be used for energy. This causes either type 1 or type 2 diabetes hence, it is important to understand the diabetes difference between type 1 and type 2.
Type 1 diabetes, often known as juvenile diabetes, is an autoimmune disease. The body’s immune system destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas called beta cells, causing the body to stop generating insulin.
Type 2 diabetes is a disease in which cells cannot properly utilize blood sugar (glucose) for energy. When blood sugar levels rise too high over time, the cells become resistant to insulin.
Prediabetes is a condition that typically occurs before Type 2 diabetes develops. When your blood sugar level is greater than usual but not high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes, you have prediabetes.
While the occurrence of diabetes is not exclusive to a specific gender, sometimes the symptoms, causes and also outlook may look different for men and women. So now that we know the basics of diabetes, its types and how it occurs, let’s further look at how it translates differently in women and how it can play a role in some important phases of a woman’s life like puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause.
Written by
BDS, Assistant Manager (Medical Review)
Reviewed by
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology) Head, Medical Affairs
According to research by Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, in 2019 9.3% of the global population (around 463 million people) was affected by diabetes, the prevalence is higher in high-income or developed nations over developing countries. The study further showed that the prevalence of diabetes in males was only slightly higher than females but more importantly that over 50% of those living with diabetes are completely unaware of their condition. At this rate, it is estimated that by 2030 over 25% of the world’s population will be affected by diabetes.
Now let’s look at the prevalence of diabetes in India. According to research by the Journal of Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders, more than 1 in 10 women between the ages of 35 – 49 suffer from diabetes in India. The prevalence was higher in the southern states such as Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Kerala compared to the northern states of India.
While most symptoms of diabetes in women are not much different compared to those in men, there are a few signs of diabetes in women that are exclusive to the gender that we will cover in the next section. Here were some more facts found relating to diabetes in women:
How does diabetes affect women?
The signs of diabetes are generally more serious in women than in men. Women are four times as likely as males to have heart disease (the most frequent consequence of diabetes) and women have worse results after a heart attack. Other diabetes-related problems, such as blindness, renal disease and depression, are also more common in women.
The signs of diabetes are also different among different groups of women. Diabetes is more common among African-American, Hispanic/Latina, American Indian/Alaska Native and Asian/Pacific Islander women than in white women.
Depending on what’s going on in your life, your diabetes management strategy may need to change over time. But don’t worry; if you know what to expect and follow a regular monitoring strategy, it becomes easier to manage the symptoms of diabetes in women.
Symptoms and Signs of Diabetes in Women: How it translates differently as compared to men
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and both men and women can be diagnosed with it. Most warning signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes like constant thirst, increased need to urinate, increase in hunger, delayed healing of wounds, frequent infections like UTI, dizziness and fatigue are similar for both genders.
We are all aware that obesity or sudden weight gain can be a sign of type 2 diabetes. Some research suggests that where we develop and carry fat may explain the severity of diabetes. For men, it has been seen that men have more visceral fat or fat in the abdomen area than women. On the other hand, women carry more subcutaneous (mostly leg and hip) fat. Having belly fat is directly linked to higher chances of developing type 2 diabetes and so if we look at numbers we will see that the number of men with diabetes are more than women.
Nerve damage due to high blood sugars often leads to decreased sensation around the vagina, vaginal dryness making it difficult or uncomfortable to have sexual intercourse. Reduced movement of food from the stomach to the intestine is another problem that is more common in women with diabetes. This condition is called gastroparesis and can make it more difficult to manage blood sugar levels, can also lead to fullness and bloating. However, the risk of complications from diabetes is usually higher in females than males. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the medical precautions for diabetes.
When women are diagnosed with diabetes they are likely to experience complications including:
Eye diseases
Anxiety or depression in women
Sexual dysfunction
Digestive problems
If you feel like you may be experiencing even the slightest symptoms of diabetes, it is advised to consult your healthcare professional to confirm or rule out the presence of diabetes. Early detection can help in a faster recovery in the long run.
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Can I plan a pregnancy when I’m diabetic?
It’s common for women diagnosed with diabetes to be concerned about how their future, especially with family planning, may look like. Questions may arise like Can a diabetic woman get pregnant? Is it safe? How risky is it? etc, that needs to be addressed before moving on to the next step.
So can a diabetic woman get pregnant?
The answer is yes. Though a woman with type 2 diabetes conceives, has higher risks of complications than others, a healthy pregnancy is absolutely possible. If you are diabetic and are trying to conceive, you have to make sure your sugar levels are in check. Visit your doctor immediately and ask what steps you need to further take. Also do get know-how about your medication and it will affect your chances of getting pregnant.
When you’re a diabetic mother-to-be, starting a family takes a little extra thought. Consulting with a good gynaecologist and endocrinologist and taking the necessary actions can help ensure that your pregnancy and your baby are both safe and healthy.
If you have diabetes, it’s critical to keep your blood sugar levels as near to normal as possible before and during your pregnancy in order to stay healthy and give birth to a healthy baby.
Getting check-ups before and during pregnancy, sticking to your diabetic meal plan, exercising as directed by your doctor and taking diabetes medications as needed can all help you manage your diabetes. Smoking cessation and taking vitamins as prescribed by your doctor can also help you and your baby stay healthy.
What are the risks involved for me and my baby?
Babies delivered to diabetic mothers are frequently larger. They acquire too much sugar through the placenta if their moms have excessive blood sugar levels. The pancreas of the infant detects this and produces extra insulin to use it up. The excess sugar is converted to fat, resulting in a big child.
For many hours after birth, many hospitals maintain a watch on infants born to diabetic moms. If you have high blood sugar levels frequently while pregnant (particularly in the 24 hours leading up to delivery), your baby may have dangerously low blood sugar after birth. Their insulin is dependent on your high blood sugar, so when it’s suddenly removed, their blood sugar level plummets. Their calcium and magnesium levels might also be uncontrolled. In such cases, medication can greatly help manage these issues.
Some infants are too large to be delivered vaginally, necessitating a cesarean section. But don’t worry; your doctor will monitor your baby’s growth so you can plan for the safest delivery possible.
Planning a pregnancy with diabetes?
Planning a pregnancy with diabetes? Here are some steps you can take to ensure a safe pregnancy term:
Discuss with your doctor and understand the condition
If you are planning to conceive, you should visit your doctor at least 3 – 6 months before you do so. This is because as a diabetic woman, the foetus and you are both at risk. So visiting the doctor will allow you to get a picture of your present condition, tests to see if everything is in order and plan how to manage your impending pregnancy.
Your doctor might ask you to get the following tests:
In addition, your doctor might even suggest some precautions to take when pregnant with type 1 diabetes to ensure a smooth pregnancy term. Some signs of diabetes in women can be exacerbated by pregnancy. Your health care team may suggest changing your therapy before you get pregnant to help prevent this.
Check fertility level
While it is not always difficult to get pregnant if you are a woman with diabetes, high sugar levels in the blood may affect the chances of you getting pregnant. So if you are finding it difficult to conceive, it is better to get your fertility levels checked. If the doctor finds any cause for alarm, he/she can recommend a course of action.
Get HbA1C and blood sugar to healthy levels
Before becoming pregnant, your doctor would advise you to attain a certain haemoglobin A1C level. HbA1C is a blood test that tells your doctor how much blood sugar you’ve had in the last two to three months. The American Diabetes Association advises an HbA1C of 6.5% or lesser before pregnancy.
Your doctor will assist you in determining your ideal blood sugar range. They will also assess your diabetes treatment regimen and make any necessary adjustments. The objective is to understand how often should one check their blood sugar and HbA1c levels and ensure it is as near to normal as possible.
Evaluate and modify your diet
It’s no secret that if you are living with diabetes, you have to eat a well-balanced diet. If you are planning to get pregnant make sure you visit a nutritionist and plan your daily meals accordingly. You need to make sure your body is getting the necessary nutrients while also staying fit. Eating a well-balanced diet will help you keep your blood sugar levels in check.
Rethink lifestyle patterns
If you smoke or consume alcohol, you must quit. Smoking during pregnancy has ramifications for both you and your unborn child before, during and after delivery. Nicotine (the addictive component in cigarettes), carbon monoxide and other poisons pass through your system and directly to your baby when you smoke. Smoking during pregnancy has shown to:
Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause a slew of birth abnormalities, including intellectual impairment and a variety of physical issues. There is no known safe amount of alcohol to consume while pregnant and there is no safe time to drink throughout pregnancy.
Schedule an eye check-up
Unfortunately, as a disease, diabetes affects your eyes and it can also lead to diabetic retinopathy. In its initial stages, diabetic retinopathy has negligible or no symptoms and can go unnoticed, unfortunately, the disease can worsen during pregnancy. So if you are planning to get pregnant, it is always advisable to get a comprehensive dilated eye exam as soon as possible. Also, ask your ophthalmologist if any other eye tests are needed.
Schedule a dental appointment
Too much glucose can harm your dental health by causing gum diseases, pain, infection and other problems. High glucose levels can also lead to an increase in plaque accumulation. It is not advisable to get a dental procedure done during pregnancy unless very urgent. Thus, if you are planning your pregnancy, you need to visit a dentist to get your dental health checked. It is important to get all the necessary treatment done to avoid any painful experience during pregnancy.
Fitness and lifestyle changes to help with pregnancy
Another crucial aspect of living well with diabetes is physical activity. Get your doctor’s permission to exercise during pregnancy. Then incorporate activities you enjoy into your daily routines, such as walking, swimming or stationary biking.
According to the Department of Health and Human Services’ guidelines for physical exercise, strive for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week. If you haven’t been active in a while, begin cautiously and gradually increase your activity level.
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During pregnancy, if blood sugar levels rise in a non-diabetic woman, the condition is known as gestational diabetes. According to a study done by Dr Mohan’s Diabetes Center, around 10% to 20% of Indian women develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy. It has a reported prevalence rate between 4.6% – 14% in urban areas and 1.7% – 13.2% in rural areas. It is a condition that affects pregnant women who have never been diagnosed with diabetes.
In most cases, gestational diabetes develops in the second trimester of pregnancy. Between weeks 24 and 28 or sooner, if you’re at high risk, your doctor will examine for it several times during your pregnancy.
Your doctor may advise a glucose challenge test – A sugary drink that has 50 grams of glucose, which causes your blood sugar to increase. You’ll take a blood glucose test an hour later to evaluate how your body handled all that sugar. If your blood sugar level is higher than a specific threshold, you’ll require a 3-hour oral glucose tolerance test.
A fasting blood sugar test after an 8-12 hour fast followed by a 75-gram glucose drink and a blood glucose test performed 2 hours later can be used by your doctor.
If your test results are normal but you’re at high risk, your doctor may test you again later in the pregnancy to ensure you’re still clear of it.
Treatment and Outlook for Gestational Diabetes
Enjoying pregnancy even if you have diabetes can be compromised if not managed well, can be associated with a lot of risks like miscarriage, preterm labour, congenital malformations and so on. This is why during pregnancy if you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, you have to take utmost care to have your sugar levels in check and insulin treatment is the mainstay of gestational diabetes. If you have had proper pre-pregnancy counselling with the doctor and the sugar levels have been brought down to normal before conception with insulin, then there is a high need of maintaining your sugar levels through pregnancy.
Is insulin safe during pregnancy?
This is another common question that is asked by most soon-to-be mothers when they have been prescribed insulin therapy to manage gestational diabetes. The answer to this question is yes – insulin is completely safe during pregnancy. Insulin does not cross the placenta and therefore, you can ensure that it will not be of any harm to you or your baby. In fact, insulin therapy is one of the best ways to manage gestational diabetes and pregnancy in women already diagnosed with diabetes. It increases your chances of a normal delivery without complications to you or your baby in the future.
Gestational Diabetes Diet to Supplement Treatment
Its essential to consume a low-sugar, healthy diet to prevent gestational diabetes during pregnancy. Check with your doctor to ensure you’re getting the nutrients you require. You can follow the following diabetes diet during pregnancy:
Safe exercises to have a controlled pregnancy
When you have gestational diabetes, you can exercise as long as your doctor thinks it’s safe. Being physically active can help you regulate your blood sugar. Maintaining a healthy weight throughout pregnancy is also beneficial to your posture and can help you avoid common issues like backaches and tiredness.
Strive for 30 minutes of moderate exercise on most days of the week walking, swimming and yoga are all terrific ways to get some exercise. Was there an exercise you were doing before you found out you were expecting? Consult your doctor to see whether you can continue, if you need to make any modifications or if you should try something else.
Exercise can help you control your blood sugar levels. So always carry something that can help elevate your sugar levels when you are working out.
Get the best prenatal care possible. Your doctor may not only check you for this disease but also provide you with advice on diet, exercise and weight loss. They can also refer you to other health specialists who can help, such as nutritionists.
Post-pregnancy care for the mother and baby
You’re more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes if you have gestational diabetes. However, it is unlikely to occur and you may take steps to avoid it.
After 6 weeks, your blood sugar levels will most likely return to normal. (Your doctor will double-check this.) If it does, you should have a check-up every three years.
To reduce your risk, do the following:
Attempt to maintain a healthy weight.
Consume a healthy diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, fruits and lean protein.
Make it a habit to exercise.
Maintain your body weight in a healthy range.
Keep an eye on your blood glucose levels.
Keep in mind that if you have another child, you are more likely to develop gestational diabetes. Inquire with your doctor about any lifestyle modifications that might help you avoid this.
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Breastfeeding is a simple and natural process that helps the mother bond with her baby. It not only provides your baby with essential nutrition and immunity but it has also been seen that babies who have been breastfed have lesser chances of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. The babies are likely to lead a healthy life and are less likely to suffer from pneumonia, diarrhoea, asthma, eczema or other respiratory diseases later in life. But here is a question that many new mothers who are diabetic may ask:
Can I breastfeed my baby if I have diabetes? Is it safe?
The answer is a resounding yes. All mothers experience hormonal and metabolic changes after giving birth. It has been seen that breastfeeding helps reduce the impact of these changes on a new mom’s body. It also helps to lose that excess weight and reduces your risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Nevertheless, if you are diabetic and a new mother, consult your gynaecologist and paediatrician to find out if you can breastfeed your baby or if there are any risks associated with breastfeeding your baby while diabetic.
Benefits of Breastfeeding
It is always advised for the mother to breastfeed her baby unless she has physical problems that prevent her from doing so. There are many benefits to breastfeeding. It plays a vital role in the mental and psychological development of the baby. Babies who are breastfed are less likely to:
Develop asthma
Be obese
Be diagnosed with diabetes
Suffer infections causing diarrhoea and vomiting
Have lower respiratory diseases
Breastfeeding has also been shown to help the mother with postnatal weight loss, reduces the risk of some cancers, post-partum depression and can be beneficial to restoring the mother’s health after pregnancy.
How does diabetes affect breastfeeding?
While there might be some problems with breastfeeding as a diabetic woman, it isn’t too much to worry about. Let’s take a look at the possible situations:
Caring for your newborn during the postnatal journey can seem like a daunting task. Since breastfeeding can be impacted by diabetes, consult your doctor or a lactation expert if you are experiencing any unusual symptoms to ensure that you and your newborn baby are receiving the appropriate help and support that is needed during this time. Being aware of what to expect after delivery for yourself and your baby can help you be physically and mentally prepared for what’s to come.
How does breastfeeding help in managing my diabetes?
For any new mother breastfeeding her baby, there can be a drop in sugar levels because breastfeeding acts as a workout. So you are bound to lose weight and have low levels of blood sugar if you do not take adequate nutrition. You need to consult your doctor and check if you need an external source of glucose intake to balance the level. Also, check with your doctor about the regulation of insulin and other medication while breastfeeding.
Nevertheless, here are a few things to keep in mind before choosing to breastfeed:
Breastfeeding Tips For Mothers with Diabetes
Are you a new mother dealing with diabetes? It is completely normal to feel anxious about the health of your newborn baby as a result of your diabetes. In this time, both you and your baby must get the ample support required for a healthy postnatal recovery. Here are a few breastfeeding tips for mothers with diabetes:
Stay in touch with your gynaecologist and paediatrician to help you monitor your health as well as your babies’ during this period. Your team of health care professionals will be able to guide you with advice relating to your condition and diagnosis to ensure a safe and seamless postnatal journey.
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A diabetes diagnosis apart from your physical health can also wreak havoc on your mental health. You have to live a life with rules and you can hardly step out of it. You have to maintain a balanced diet, exercise every day, lead an active life, make lifestyle changes, lose weight and also keep your sugar levels in check. It can get a little too much and affect your mental health and you might feel emotionally drained. Sudden mood changes can also affect your personal and social life. You might be feeling angry at all times and disappointed in yourself. So it’s extremely important that these stressors, anxieties and fears are expressed in the right way and the right kind of help is sought after.
Let’s take a look at some mental health problems a diabetic woman is likely to face:
Depression
If you notice yourself feeling sad and withdrawing from the daily activities over a period of time but have no idea why it is probably because you are suffering from depression in women. There is, unfortunately, a taboo and stigma around mental health and so many women who are suffering from depression refuse to talk about it.
The symptoms of depression are:
Sadness
Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities
Change in sleep patterns
Loneliness
Change in appetite
Trouble concentrating
Loss of energy
Nervousness and guilt
Feeling hopeless, irritable and anxious
Unexplained headaches, body aches and pains
Unexplained digestive distress
Having thoughts of suicide or death
It is important to seek the necessary help at the earliest if it’s consulting a certified therapist or counsellor, a psychiatrist (if you require medication) or even confiding in a trusted friend or family member who can help you cope with these feelings over a period of time.
Stress and anxiety
Life as we know it is hectic. We are all a part of a rat race and with this fast life comes stress and anxiety. Add to that the stress of diabetes and things can get worse. You worry that you are not able to control your blood sugar levels all the time and stress about it. Diabetics are 20% more likely to be stressed than someone without it.
Learning how to cope with stress and fears of daily life can greatly help in boosting your speed of recovery. Try mind-body therapies like yoga and meditation to help you relax and refocus your energy. Take a couple of minutes out of your busy schedule to focus on self-care. Maybe even journal if that helps you unclutter your thoughts.
Diabetes distress
When you are following all the rules to keep diabetes at bay and yet are unable to see results, it leads to distress. These overwhelming feelings may be detrimental to your mental well being and you may slip into unhealthy habits like overeating, skipping doctor’s appointments and not checking blood sugar levels daily. In any 18 months, 33% to 50% of people with diabetes have diabetes distress. While the symptoms may pose as depression or anxiety, they can’t be treated with medicines.
Diabetes distress is real and shouldn’t be overlooked or ignored.
Tips to Improve Mental Health in Women with Diabetes
Mental health and well-being should be prioritized especially when you are dealing with a condition that requires lifetime support and care. A diabetes diagnosis is never easy on anyone but with the right physical and emotional support, you will be able to emerge stronger and wiser on the other side. Here are some tips to help you healthily cope with your emotions:
Speak to a counsellor or therapist – Talk to your healthcare team and book an appointment with a psychiatrist, counsellor or therapist. It sometimes helps to talk about your mental health problems. You may be unaware of the underlying condition which can be easily diagnosed and managed by your psychiatrist. If necessary the professional will also prescribe medication and therapy to help you.
Yoga + meditation – Both yoga and meditation focus on breathing and it helps you stay calm and centre the mind. This in turn reduces stress and anxiety.
Maintain a healthy routine:
Journal – Maintaining a journal helps you keep track of your progress and also writing helps you vent.
Join a support group – You are not alone and there are people who are going through the same things in life as you. Joining a support group will help you talk to people who have had the same experience and you can help each other out.
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When it comes to PCOS, we have either heard of it or know someone suffering from it or may be suffering from PCOS ourselves. What’s its connection with diabetes? Studies have shown that more than half of women with PCOS suffer from type 2 diabetes by the age of 40. Women with PCOS are also likely to develop gestational diabetes, which is diabetes when pregnant.
What is PCOS?
Understanding polycystic ovary syndrome (pcos) is important as it is a condition that arises due to hormonal imbalances in your body. PCOS is linked with higher levels of circulating insulin, which is characteristic of type 2 diabetes. This is a condition that affects women’s ovaries causing an abnormal number of cysts to appear on the surface. The cysts are follicles that contain undeveloped eggs. The condition often results in an irregular release of eggs and in some women, PCOS may prevent any eggs from being released altogether.
PCOS is a common diagnosis for women presenting with irregular periods and India is no different. In fact, one in 5 women in the country suffers from PCOS. The prevalence of PCOS in India ranges from 3.7% to 22.5% depending on the population studied and the criteria used for diagnosis.
What causes PCOS?
Some common factors that cause PCOS include:
Weight
Family history
You are also at risk of developing PCOS if you are overweight, dealing with hormonal imbalances or thyroid issues, dealing with stress and anxiety and/or have a family history of PCOS or diabetes.
To determine if you have PCOS, your doctor will check that you have at least 2 of these 3 symptoms:
Can PCOS lead to Diabetes?
While the risk of Type 2 diabetes is usually preventable or controllable with exercise and a healthy diet, evidence reveals that PCOS is one of the warning signs of diabetes in women.
Women with PCOS in their early adult years are more likely to develop diabetes and, perhaps, serious cardiac issues later in life.
According to a 2017 Danish study, women with PCOS are four times more likely to get Type 2 diabetes. Those with PCOS were also four years earlier than women without the condition to be diagnosed with diabetes.
Given this link, doctors advise that women with PCOS be tested for Type 2 diabetes earlier and be wary of the signs than those without PCOS. Studies were done in South India and Maharashtra, the prevalence of PCOS (by Rotterdam’s criteria) were reported as 9.13% and 22.5% (10.7% by Androgen Excess Society criteria) respectively.
Can women with PCOS conceive?
PCOS is the leading cause of infertility among women, so getting pregnant naturally can be difficult in some cases. But if PCOS is managed well there is a chance that you can conceive naturally. If not, you can always opt for assisted reproductive treatments. But the journey requires time and patience because at times the journey maybe is long and difficult.
Managing PCOS and reducing the chances of it progressing to Diabetes
If you are diagnosed with PCOS, ask the doctor to test you for type 2 diabetes as well and learn how to manage the condition if you have it. Your doctor may advise you to make dietary and lifestyle alterations like reducing processed foods and excess sugar and saturated fats out of your diet. Your doctor may also advise you to limit your alcohol intake and curb that smoking habit. A little bit of discipline in your lifestyle can go a long way in managing PCOS. Eating timely and well-balanced meals coupled with physical activity and quality sleep are some ways you can prevent PCOS from progressing to diabetes.
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During menopause, your estrogen levels decline, your ovaries cease releasing eggs and your menstruation ends. Women often enter menopause in their 40s or 50s. Type 2 diabetes generally develops after the age of 45, which coincides with the onset of menopause in women.
Hot flashes, mood swings and vaginal dryness are all common symptoms at this stage of life and they can be difficult to manage. On top of menopause, diabetes has its own set of symptoms, signs and dangers.
How are diabetes and menopause linked?
Your body produces less estrogen and progesterone when you go into your 30s and beyond. These hormones control your periods. They also have an impact on how your cells react to insulin, the hormone that facilitates the transport of glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream into your cells.
Your blood sugar levels may rise and decrease as estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate throughout the menopausal transition. Diabetes complications such as nerve damage and eyesight loss can result from uncontrolled high blood sugar.
Some of the changes that occur in your body after menopause may increase your chance of developing Type 2 diabetes:
Some menopausal symptoms in women might be exacerbated by diabetes and vice versa. Hot flashes, for example, make it difficult to sleep. Sleep deprivation may wreak havoc on your blood sugar levels.
The two diseases can sometimes exacerbate one another. Vaginal dryness is a side effect of menopause and it can make sex more uncomfortable. Diabetes can harm the nerve supply around the vagina, making it difficult to experience pleasure and achieve orgasm.
Controlling the effects of diabetes in menopause: What You Can Do
Menopause might mess with your diabetes management. However, there are some things you may take to improve your diabetes and 5 tips for menopause health check 101.
Make healthy lifestyle choices
Your diabetes treatment strategy should include healthy lifestyle choices. Consume fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean poultry and low-fat dairy products. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical exercise per day, such as brisk walking. Healthy eating habits and frequent physical activity might also help you feel better after menopause. It is also recommended you give up on smoking.
Seek treatment if you're experiencing menopausal symptoms
Remember that therapy is available if you’re having signs of diabetes in women such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, reduced sexual response or other menopausal symptoms. For example, your doctor may prescribe a vaginal lubricant to restore vaginal moisture or vaginal estrogen treatment to treat vaginal wall weakening and inflammation.
If you don’t have any illnesses that might put you at risk of problems, your doctor may suggest hormone replacement treatment to relieve your symptoms. A licensed dietician can assist you in revising your meal planning if weight gain is an issue. Hormone replacement treatment may also be a viable alternative.
Having diabetes and going through menopause can be a double-edged sword. To make the transition easier, work closely with your doctor.
Keeping your mind healthy
Managing Stress – Hormonal changes can wreak havoc on your mental health. In some cases, it can lead to mood swings, depression and extreme stress. Practises such as yoga, meditation, reading, etc can help you reduce stress in your daily life.
Join a support group – It always helps to share the pain and challenges you may be going through. Join a support group of people who are going through the same issues as you are. Talking and sharing stories can help bring about a sense of hope, comfort, courage and belonging.
Seek out friends and family – Friends and families are our biggest support systems and it is who we turn to in our hour of need. Talk to them and spend time with them to feel better.
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How does diabetes affect women?
Diabetes affects about equal proportions of men and women. However, the symptoms of diabetes are different in females and males.
Women with diabetes have higher chances of:
How does diabetes affect women sexually?
Diabetes increases the risk of vaginal infections and inflammation in women. Both of these factors might make sexual intercourse uncomfortable. Incontinence during sex can also be caused by nerve injury to the bladder. Women with diabetes are also more prone to get urinary tract infections on a regular basis (UTIs).
What is the life expectancy of a woman with diabetes?
For women with diabetes, their life expectancy is 81.2 years. However, the life expectancy of a person depends on various other factors and can not be predicted accurately. According to the CDC, 25 persons per 100,000 died in 2000 as a result of diabetes-related causes.
Can women with diabetes get pregnant?
With diabetes, there is no issue with fertility and pregnancy but it necessitates extra caution. If you have Type 2 diabetes and want to get pregnant, see your doctor first. You’ll need a strategy to keep your blood sugar under control, a health checkup done and a diet and exercise plan set. The goals for blood sugars during pregnancy are somewhat different.
Is diabetes more common in women than men?
Males are more likely than females to get diabetes, particularly Type 2 diabetes. Females, on the other hand, are more likely to develop serious complications if diagnosed with diabetes.
How is diabetes different in women?
Diabetes in women has more significant effects, such as the risk of heart disease. As a result, diabetes affects men and women differently and could result in life-threatening health problems.
Can I cure my diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes has no recognized cure. It can, however, be managed well with proper treatment, nutrition and lifestyle modifications. It may also go into remission in some cases. For some people, leading a diabetes-friendly lifestyle is enough to keep their blood sugar levels under control.
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