4 signs of diabetes in women!
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder and can impact any one. It has been observed worldwide, that diabetes in females often goes unnoticed and untreated. Diabetes in women is associated with greater risk of other complications like heart disease, blindness and depression.
Symptoms of diabetes in women
Other than the usual symptoms of diabetes like excessive feeling of thirst and hunger, frequent urination, there are a few more symptoms which are unique to women, such as:
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Vaginal or yeast infections: Increased sugar in blood, triggers the growth of fungus. This might result in yeast growth and can cause infections like vaginal or oral yeast infections and vaginal thrush. These infections are common in women.
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Urinary infections: Women are at a greater risk of urinary tract infections (UTI) than men. This further increases in case of diabetes because of bacterial growth in the urinary tract. Symptoms of UTI are painful urination or bloody or cloudy urine.
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Female sexual dysfunction: High sugar levels can damage the nerve fibers, which is also called diabetic neuropathy. Damage to nerves results in loss of sensation and affects different parts of the body like hands, feet, legs. It also impacts the sensation in the vaginal area and can lower a woman’s sex drive.
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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): PCOS results from hormonal disorder. It can cause insulin resistance which may result in increased blood sugar levels. Common symptoms of PCOS are irregular periods, weight gain, acne and infertility.
Who is at risk of developing diabetes?
It is important to understand that anyone can get diabetes at any age, but there are several factors that put you at a greater risk for diabetes like family history, age, weight. Special risk factors for women are a history of:
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Giving birth to a baby weighing more than 4 kilograms
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Polycystic ovary syndrome
Following a proper lifestyle like eating a healthy diet and exercising daily can help to manage diabetes as well as prevent it.
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