Diabetes in women

How Diabetes affects Women

Diabetes describes a group of metabolic diseases in which a person has high blood sugar due to problems processing or producing insulin. Diabetes can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, gender, or lifestyle.

The death rate was higher among women previously, there has been a shift in gender distribution of type two diabetes showing higher rates among men.

Symptoms:

Symptoms unique to women include:

1. Vaginal and oral yeast infections and vaginal thrush

An overgrowth of yeast caused by the candida fungus can cause vaginal yeast infections, oral yeast infections, and vaginal thrush. These infections are common in women.

When the infection develops in the vaginal area, symptoms include itching, soreness, vaginal discharge, and painful sex. Oral yeast infections often cause a cottage-cheese coating on the tongue and inside of the mouth. High levels of glucose in the blood triggers the growth of fungus.

2. Urinary infections

The risk of a urinary tract infection (UTI) is higher in women who have diabetes. UTIs develop when bacteria enters the urinary tract. These infections can cause painful urination, a burning sensation, and bloody or cloudy urine. If left untreated, there’s the risk of a kidney infection.

UTIs are common with diabetes due to poor circulation and the inability of white blood cells to travel through the bloodstream and kill infections.

3. Female sexual dysfunction

Diabetic neuropathy occurs when high blood glucose damages nerve fibers. This can trigger tingling and loss of feeling in different parts of the body, including the hands, feet, and legs. This condition may also affect sensation in the vaginal area and lower a woman’s sex drive.

4. Polycystic ovary syndrome

This disorder occurs when the adrenal gland produces a higher amount of male hormones. Signs of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) include irregular periods, weight gain, acne, and depression. It can also cause infertility and a type of insulin resistance. This results in elevated blood sugar levels and increases the risk of developing diabetes.

Symptoms experienced by both women and men:

Both men and women may experience the following symptoms of un diagnosed diabetes:

• increased thirst and hunger
• frequent urination
• weight loss or gain that has no obvious cause
• fatigue
• blurred vision
• wounds that heal slowly
• nausea
• skin infections
• patches of darker skin in areas of the body that have creases
• irritability
• breath that has a sweet, fruity, or acetone odor
• reduced feeling in your hands or feet

It’s important to keep in mind that many people with type 2 diabetes have no noticeable symptoms.

Pregnancy and type 1 and type 2 diabetes:

Some women with diabetes wonder if it’s safe to become pregnant. The good news is that you can have a healthy pregnancy after being diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. However, it’s important to manage your condition before and during pregnancy to avoid complications. 

If planning to have a baby, it’s best to try to get your blood glucose levels as close to your target range as possible before you get pregnant. Your target ranges when pregnant may be different from the ranges when you aren’t pregnant.

If you have diabetes and you’re pregnant or hoping to become pregnant, talk to your doctor about the best ways to manage your and your baby’s health. For instance, your blood glucose levels and general health need to be tracked before and during your pregnancy.

When you’re pregnant, blood glucose and ketones travel through the placenta to the baby. Babies require energy from glucose just as you do. However, babies are at risk for birth defects if your glucose levels are too high. Transferring high blood sugar to unborn babies puts them at risk for cognitive impairments, developmental delays, and high blood pressure.

Treatment:

At all stages of life, women’s bodies present obstacles for managing diabetes and blood sugar. Challenges may occur because:

• The fluctuating hormones associated with the menstrual cycle, childbearing, and menopause make it more difficult to maintain proper blood glucose levels. To keep your blood glucose at a healthy level, check your blood sugar several times a day the week before, during, and after your period. Do this for a few months, and then adjust your insulin dose as needed.
• Some birth control pills can increase blood glucose. To maintain a healthy level of blood glucose, ask your doctor about switching to a low-dose birth control pill.
• Glucose in your body can cause yeast infections. This is because glucose speeds the growth of fungus. There are over-the-counter and prescription medications to treat yeast infections. You can potentially avoid yeast infections altogether by maintaining better control of your blood sugar. Take insulin as prescribed, exercise regularly, reduce your crab intake, choose low-glycemic foods, and monitor your blood sugar.