Diabetes can affect anyone, but it does not affect everyone equally. According to researchers, women are at a higher risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and other complications from this pernicious disease. Fertility, genitourinary health, and libido are all affected by high glucose levels.
Diabetes in women affects the heart more often
Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease (the most common complication of diabetes) by about four times in women but only about twice in men, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Women with diabetes have poorer health outcomes following a heart attack. They are also more likely to develop other diabetes complications such as stroke, vision loss, kidney disease, and depression.
Diabetes may increase the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke in women for a variety of reasons. One of them is the difference in biological characteristics between sexes in terms of adipose tissue distribution.
Diabetes is more likely to develop if you have a family history of the disease or are overweight or obese. Be aware of diabetes symptoms, which can be subtle, and check your blood sugar levels at least once a year.
Diabetes and women’s health
Diabetes is related to various aspects of women’s health, such as:
Menstrual cycle
Blood sugar levels can be affected by hormonal changes before and during menstruation. Glucose levels frequently rise about a week before the start of your period, requiring more insulin. Diabetes can cause periods to be longer or heavier. Major hormonal changes, such as those caused by pregnancy, can also cause blood sugar to rise.
Genitourinary health
Diabetes patients are more likely than men to develop urinary tract infections and recurring intimate infections (primarily vaginal yeast infections). Infections are aided by high blood glucose levels, as well as negative changes in the immune and circulatory systems caused by diabetes.
Getting pregnant
High blood sugar levels can make having children difficult. It is advised not to become pregnant until the glycemia has been stabilised. Diabetes can harm both the mother and the baby by causing pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure), increasing the risk of miscarriage, birth defects, prematurity, higher baby weight, and more difficult delivery. Contraception should be used until the disease is under control.
Libido
Many women’s interest in sex is diminished due to high blood glucose levels. Furthermore, intimate infections and vaginal dryness exacerbate the sensations. Diabetes-related nerve damage reduces blood supply to the genitals, resulting in less satisfying sexual experience.
Pregnancy
Even if the disease has not previously been diagnosed, gestational diabetes can develop at this time. This risk exists in all women, but it is higher in overweight and obese pregnant women, women over the age of 25, and women with a family history of type 2 diabetes.
Menopause
The natural decline in oestrogen associated with menopause affects blood sugar fluctuations. It’s important to check your glucose. Additionally, menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and insomnia can also affect glycemia.
It is worth remembering that the right actions—healthy habits, diet, and sometimes medication—can help mitigate the harmful effects of diabetes on various aspects of women’s health.
Maryam's Blog 