International Women’s Day is around the corner and its the time to celebrate the achievements of women around you and worldwide and also spread the awareness about the growing chronic condition among the women. As diabetes has taken a majority of the world population under its grip, understanding how diabetes can impact women has become important. It is also proven that women are at a higher risk of diabetes complications.
So, are you here looking for the answer to the most burning question? How is diabetes different for women than it is for men? Well, you’re at the right place we’ve got you covered. Diabetes in women can worsen their situation by 4 times more than the men. Women are at the high risk of heart related diseases as compared to men. Additionally, diabetes may also cause pregnancy-related complications in women. Therefore, diabetes and women remain a widely discussed topic. On this International Women’s Day, let us try to understand how diabetes impacts women, its symptoms, risk factors, and possible treatments.
Symptoms of Diabetes in Women
It is only when you are able to identify the symptoms of a particular condition you will be able to take preventive measures. While some symptoms of diabetes are common to both men and women, some symptoms are unique to women.
- Vaginal or Oral Yeast Infection: The symptoms of vaginal yeast infection might include vaginal discharge, itching, soreness, etc.
- Candida infections: Patients with the high sugar levels have the higher chances of developing fungus infections.
- Delayed wound healing
- Urinary Yeast Infections: Painful urination, a burning sensation during urination, and bloody or cloudy urine.
- Frequent urination
- More chances of having Kidney infections.
- Vaginal dryness
- Weight loss
- Blurry vision
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Sexual Dysfunction in Women
Diabetes and Women – Risk Factors
Diabetes in women might be caused because of the following reasons.
- Being overweight or obese
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Age is more than 45 years
- Inactive lifestyle
- Gestational Diabetes
- History of heart stroke
- Family history of diabetes
- There is a 30 per cent greater risk of cardiovascular diseases in women
Diabetes and Women – Pregnancy
Is it safe to have a child if you have diabetes? Well, absolutely, yes! But it is also crucial that you manage your sugar levels while being pregnant. Blood glucose and ketones travel through the placenta to your unborn child. Having high levels of blood sugar may lead to birth defects in the child. Therefore, you need to manage your diabetic condition before and during your pregnancy.
Also read: Unlocking the Potential: Is Beaten Rice Good for Diabetes?
Gestational Diabetes and Pregnancy
Gestational Diabetes is different from Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and is specific to pregnant women. The hormones during pregnancy affect the way insulin works. It causes the body to make more insulin. If the amount of insulin is insufficient, it will cause the pregnant woman to develop gestational diabetes.
Normally, gestational diabetes will go away after your pregnancy. Gestational diabetes increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. You are recommended to get tested for diabetes and prediabetes for a few years after having gestational diabetes.
Diabetes and Women – Treatment & Prevention
While there is no cure for diabetes, it can only be managed through various everyday practices. We have listed some measures through which diabetes can be managed in women-
Lifestyle Changes
Healthy lifestyle practices include a regular workout regime, eating a healthy and fibre-rich diet, and avoiding the consumption of alcohol and tobacco.
Regularly Monitoring your Sugar Levels
Being a diabetic, it is imperative that you monitor your sugar levels on a regular basis. Make sure you use the right glucometer for this purpose, and optimise your diet and lifestyle according to your sugar level.
Also read: How To Reduce Blood Sugar Levels Immediately? A Step-by-Step Guide
Medication
Although there is no medicine to cure diabetes, some medications can help you manage the symptoms and complications of diabetes. The most common medications for diabetes include insulin therapy for people with Type 1 diabetes and Metformin, which helps reduce sugar levels. In addition, please talk to your diabetes doctor before starting with any medication.
Read More:Diabetes and Menstruation – Everything you need to know
Other Remedies
So, the other remedies may involve home remedies, including herbs and seeds (chia seeds, Bitter gourd, and fenugreek seeds). As per studies, alternatives remedies are the excellent source to prevent diabetes when compared to medication. These alternative remedies have zero side effects and also have shown a beneficial impact on diabetes patients.
Physical activity
Having a sedentary lifestyle may cause many diseases. However, involving yourself in physical activities or developing creative physical activities may bring positive changes in the life of the individual. Try doing these physical activities regularly: brisk walking, swimming, biking or running. Also, increase your strength by practising strength training. Take a few moments for yourself while working hours, stand, walk and be more active. These activities can eventually be beneficial in regulating the blood sugar levels.
Reduce Weight
Diabetes patients, especially women, must reduce their weight to manage blood sugar levels. Also, it will subsequently help them to reduce the chances of developing cardiovascular diseases. Set your weight loss goals today and reduce the risk of developing diabetes. You can also get the proper guidance from the health coaches and Doctors for setting the proper weight loss goals.
Complications Associated with Diabetes in Women
Diabetes can lead to a number of complications if it is not managed in the right manner and at the right time. Some of the complications include coronary heart disease, eating disorders, nerve damage, skin problems, eye damage, foot problems, etc.
Along with these complications, people with diabetes have a shorter life expectancy. Therefore, it is crucial that people with diabetes handle this chronic condition with the utmost care. If you have any doubts, you should always consult your doctor or health coach.
Disclaimer:The content of this article is compiled information from generic and public sources. It is in no way a substitute, suggestion, or advice for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. BeatoApp does not claim responsibility for this information .
Dr. Navneet Agarwal is an established and highly skilled Diabetology with over 25 years of experience in Diabetology & Obesity. He is well-regarded for his quality and patient-centered diabetes care. Also, keep track of your blood sugar levels with a Doctors’ approved smart glucometer and elevate your healthcare routine.
