By - Dr. P. Venu Madhavi, MD; DM (ENDO), Vijaya Sri Hospital
16 Nov 2023
Millions of individuals worldwide grapple with diabetes, a chronic ailment that extends beyond mere blood sugar management, particularly impacting women. Unique symptoms and risks related to diabetes necessitate special attention among females, and research underscores significant disparities when compared to their male counterparts.
Studies reveal that women with diabetes confront the following statistics when contrasted with men:
• A 30% higher risk of fatality from cardiovascular diseases
• A 58% increased risk of death stemming from coronary heart disease
• A 13% greater likelihood of succumbing to all causes¹
Symptoms of diabetes in women mirror those in men, including increased thirst and frequent urination, yet distinct manifestations are also prevalent.
Among the most frequent indicators in women is the occurrence of vaginal yeast infections. Elevated blood sugar levels create an ideal environment for yeast proliferation, resulting in itching, burning, and discharge.
Another symptomatic concern for women with diabetes is urinary tract infections (UTIs). Elevated blood sugar levels foster bacterial growth in the urinary system, leading to fever and frequent, painful urination.
Hormonal fluctuations during menstruation and menopause can influence blood sugar levels, culminating in mood swings, fatigue, and alterations in appetite.
Women with diabetes face a heightened risk of complications like heart disease, stroke, sexual dysfunction, and blindness, primarily because diabetes affects the microvasculature throughout the body, and women are more susceptible to these consequences.
Pregnant women with diabetes encounter unique perils, notably an increased susceptibility to pre-eclampsia, a condition bearing serious ramifications for both mother and child, necessitating vigilant monitoring.
Recognizing and managing diabetes in women necessitates a nuanced approach. Diagnosis hinges on an astute consideration of the distinctive symptoms and risks. Women with a family history of diabetes, obesity, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) face a heightened risk.
Typically, diagnosis involves a blood test to gauge blood sugar levels. Women exhibiting diabetes symptoms or possessing risk factors should undergo regular screenings to detect the condition early and avert complications.
Managing diabetes in women predominantly revolves around lifestyle modifications encompassing diet, exercise, and medication for blood sugar control. These endeavors are complemented by maintaining a healthy weight, eschewing sugary and processed foods, and engaging in routine physical activity.
Regular eye examinations are crucial for monitoring diabetic retinopathy, while measures to mitigate cardiovascular risk include smoking cessation and the regulation of high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
For pregnant women, meticulous diabetes management is paramount. Those with pre-existing diabetes should collaborate closely with healthcare professionals to regulate blood sugar levels during pregnancy and mitigate potential complications.
Diabetes manifests differently in women, and attending to the specific symptoms and risks inherent to females with diabetes holds the promise of an improved quality of life.
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