Diabetes in Women: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Diabetes

 

Women tend to get diagnosed with diabetes at a later stage than men, on average. Why is that? It could be due to the fact that women often experience symptoms differently and are less likely than men to link them with diabetes. On top of that, there are also certain risk factors for diabetes in women that aren’t as commonly seen in men. For example, after childbirth many women experience what’s known as postpartum hyperglycemia, which is when their blood sugar remains high for weeks or even months after delivery. Another factor is the way our bodies react to hormones like estrogen and progesterone. While men experience pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes at similar rates, women are more likely to develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy. However, any woman can get Type 1 or Gestational Diabetes if they have family history of it—or if they take care of their body by eating right and exercising regularly.

 

What are the symptoms of diabetes in women?

When you have diabetes, your body can’t produce enough insulin to convert glucose into energy. As a result, glucose builds up in your blood, which can cause a variety of health issues. - Dry, Itchy Skin - This is a common symptom for men and women with diabetes. It’s often caused by a buildup of glucose in your blood, which can lead to bacterial growth and cause itching. - Increased Urination - You might notice that you have to urinate more often than usual, especially if you have type 1 diabetes. This is because your body is working harder to take in glucose and expel excess water. - Tingling or Numbness in Your Hands or Feet - The glucose in your blood can also cause nerve damage, which could lead to tingling, numbness, and even pain in your hands or feet. - Feeling Thirsty or Hungry Frequently - If you don’t have enough insulin to turn glucose into energy, you may notice that you’re feeling extra thirsty or hungry. Your blood sugar level might also drop, causing you to feel shaky or anxious. - Weight Gain - Since your body is using glucose as energy, you may notice you’re building up weight as well. - Feeling Tired Throughout the Day - In order for your brain to function well, it needs glucose. If you don’t have enough insulin to take in glucose, your brain could start to feel foggy and tired.

 

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes usually appears during the second or third trimester, but some women develop it earlier. Once your baby is born, the excess glucose in your body is broken down by your liver, which can lead to excess fluid retention and swelling. Although the symptoms of gestational diabetes may be similar to type 2 diabetes levels of glucose in your blood and levels of insulin are still normal, you’re diagnosed with gestational diabetes because of the circumstances surrounding the condition. Gestational diabetes is usually treated with diet and exercise, along with insulin injections or other medication if necessary. Women who have had gestational diabetes are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future, but the risk is not guaranteed.

 

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body mistakenly attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. Without insulin, the cells in the body can’t take in glucose for energy, which can lead to dangerously high blood sugar levels. This can cause a variety of complications, including organ damage and amputations. Type 1 diabetes is also known as insulin-dependent diabetes, which means that people with this type of diabetes will need to take insulin shots to stay alive. Type 1 diabetes usually appears between the ages of 15 and 40, but it can also affect children and seniors. Many people with type 1 diabetes are also at risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

 

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the disease, but it’s often preventable. This type of diabetes happens when your body can’t produce enough insulin or can’t properly use the insulin that is produced. As a result, your blood glucose levels remain high. People with type 2 diabetes are typically overweight, have a family history of diabetes, are over the age of 40, or have high blood pressure. Treatment for type 2 diabetes can range from diet and exercise to medication or insulin shots.

 

Conclusion

It’s important that you recognize the warning signs of diabetes and seek treatment as soon as possible. Left untreated, diabetes can cause serious health issues, including organ failure and even death. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of diabetes listed above, it’s important to see a doctor and get tested for the disease. And don’t forget that you can lower your risk of diabetes by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. With these lifestyle changes, you can lower your risk of diabetes and many other diseases, too.