For women, diabetes is not just a lifestyle disease but also opens windows for dangerously other life-threatening diseases
For women, diabetes is not just a lifestyle disease but also opens windows for dangerously other life-threatening diseases. Heart complications, studies say, are more than four times dreadful for women as compared to men who are twice as likely to face them.
Also, other ailments like blindness, kidney diseases, and physiological issues are found to be more in women than men with diabetes.
Why do women have higher complications with diabetes?
According to studies, diabetes is not just complicated for women, but also among those living in different areas, race and colour. African American,-Hispanic, American Indian, and Asian Pacific Islander women are more likely to have diabetes than white women.
Also, insulin sensitivity is higher in women, who are also characterised by higher capacities for insulin secretion and incretin responses than men.
Ways high blood sugar affects women’s health differently
In women certain symptoms and complications that make them more susceptible to diabetes complications are?
Yeast and Urinary Tract Infections
A lot of women get vaginal year infections at some point in life, but those with diabetes are at higher risk especially if their blood sugar levels constantly remain high.
According to experts, more than 50 per cent of women get Urinary Tract infections, or UTIs in their lifetime, and the risk may be higher with diabetes.
It happens due to high blood sugar levels that cause poor circulation, reducing your body’s ability to fight infections. Some women also have bladders that do not empty all the way, creating a perfect environment for bacteria to grow.
Doctors advise drinking lots of water and hydrating yourself to counter the situation
Erratic menstrual cycle
Just before you begin your monthly cycle, there are massive changes in hormone levels making blood sugar levels hard to predict.
Many women also have longer and heavier periods, and food cravings can make managing diabetes harder.
It is best to keep check your blood sugar often and keep track of the results to see if there’s a pattern, apart from eating healthy food.
PCOS
Even though the exact cause of polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS is not clear, it occurs mostly when women produce a high amounts of androgens, along with a genetic history.
- Weight gain
Irregular and painful periods- Infertility
- Acne
Depression
PCOS, according to doctors, is also linked with a type of insulin resistance that elevates blood sugar levels and increases your risk of developing diabetes.
Risk factors for women
According to the US Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health, as a woman, you are at risk for complications due to type-2 diabetes if you:
- Are more than 40 years old
- Are overweight or have
obesity - Have a parent or sibling with diabetes
- Have had gestational diabetes
- Suffer from high blood pressure
- Have high
cholesterol - Suffer from PCOS
- Do not have a physically active lifestyle
Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.
