In the United States, diabetes is more prevalent in women than men. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost 1 in 5 women has diabetes. This number is only going to continue to grow as our population ages. Diabetes can be a very challenging disease for both men and women to manage, but there are some unique challenges that women face when it comes to this disease. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most common issues women face when dealing with diabetes.
Diabetes and Women
Risk of Heart Disease
One of the biggest concerns for women with diabetes is their increased risk of heart disease. Diabetes can damage the lining of blood vessels, which can lead to a build-up of plaque. This can cause problems like high blood pressure and heart attack. According to the CDC, diabetes increases the risk of heart disease (the most common diabetes complication) by about four times in women but only about two times in men, and women have worse outcomes after a heart attack.
Yeast and Urinary Tract Infections
Another common issue faced by women with diabetes is an increased risk of yeast and urinary tract infections. Women are more likely to get these infections because high blood sugar can create a perfect environment for the growth of yeast. Additionally, diabetes can also cause changes in the pH balance of the vagina, which can lead to infection. Urinary tract infections are also more common in women with diabetes, as sugar in urine provides a perfect environment for bacteria to grow.
Gestational Diabetes
One of the most common diabetes-related problems faced by pregnant women is gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes occurs when a woman who does not have diabetes develops high blood sugar levels during pregnancy. This condition can cause problems for both the mother and the baby, and it often requires close monitoring. According to the American Diabetes Association, about 10% of pregnant women in the United States are diagnosed with gestational diabetes.
Menstrual Cycle
Hormonal changes before and during your period might make blood sugar levels more difficult to anticipate. You could also have longer or heavier periods, and food cravings might make managing diabetes more difficult. You may notice a pattern over time, or you may find that every period is different.
Menopause
As women enter menopause, they face a number of new health challenges. One of these is the increased risk of type II diabetes. This is because after menopause, women’s bodies produce less estrogen, and estrogen seems to protect against type II diabetes. Additionally, during menopause women often gain weight and have more difficulty regulating blood sugar levels.
Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Women are also more likely to develop digestive and kidney diseases as a result of diabetes. Gastroparesis, for example, is a condition that causes the stomach to take too long to empty food. This can cause problems like nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. Additionally, women with diabetes are at an increased risk for developing kidney disease. The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste from the blood, and when they start to fail it can be very dangerous.
Diabetes Treatment
As you can see, diabetes can be a challenging disease for women to manage. However, with proper treatment and care it is possible to live a healthy life. If you are a woman with diabetes, be sure to talk to your doctor about the best way to manage your condition. There are many different ways to treat diabetes, and the right approach will vary from person to person. Your doctor will work with you to find the best method of managing your blood sugar levels and preventing any serious complications.
Risk Factors
There are a number of risk factors for diabetes that are specific to women. Some of these include:
- Having a family history of diabetes
- Being overweight or obese
- Age – women over 55 are at a higher risk for developing type II diabetes
- Having gestational diabetes or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Smoking cigarettes
- Not getting enough exercise
Women With Diabetes: Overcoming Risk Factors
While all of these risk factors can increase your chances of developing diabetes, it is important to remember that you are not powerless. There are many things you can do to reduce your risk, like eating healthy foods, staying active, and maintaining a healthy weight. If you have any concerns, be sure to talk to your doctor.
Diabetes Affects Women Differently
These are just a few of the unique challenges that women with diabetes face. Managing this disease can be difficult at any time, but it can be especially challenging for women. If you are having trouble managing your diabetes, be sure to talk to your doctor about strategies that might work for you. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but there are many resources available.