Diabetes can affect both men and women, but there are some differences that occur
when a woman gets type 2 diabetes. If you have signs and symptoms of this disease, or
have recently been diagnosed, here are some things to know about having diabetes as
a woman.
You Can Get Gestational Diabetes
One of the more unique things about being a woman and getting diabetes is that even if
you don’t have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you can get gestational diabetes if you
become pregnant. This is when you have a spike in your blood sugar only while
pregnant, which goes away after you deliver your baby. However, while you are
pregnant, you should take gestational diabetes just as seriously as any other form of
diabetes, monitoring your blood sugar and watching your diet.
There Are Sexual Changes
Another way diabetes is different for women is that it can affect your sex life if you don’t
manage it properly. You may notice changes in your sexual function from the nerve
damage. Diabetes when not treated properly can ultimately lead to tingling and loss of
feeling in various body parts, including your vaginal area. You may also have an
increased amount of dryness in your vagina, which can also negatively impact your sex
life. Additionally, common signs and symptoms for women with diabetes are increased
infections like yeast infections, as well as urinary tract infections.
Higher Risk for PCOS
Diabetes can also affect women by creating a higher risk for conditions like PCOS. This
stands for polycystic ovarian syndrome and is caused by irregular hormonal levels
brought on by insulin resistance. As you know, insulin resistance can also lead to
diabetes, which is why these two are linked so closely. PCOS can lead to infertility,
weight gain, depression, and the symptoms of diabetes as well.
As a woman with diabetes, you also have all the same symptoms and dangers as men
with this disease. You need to be concerned about foot problems, eye diseases like
diabetic retinopathy, fatigue, weight fluctuations, dizziness, and nerve damage. It is
important that you get treatment as soon as you are diagnosed with diabetes and that
you listen to your doctor’s orders as far as treatments and lifestyle changes go. Whether
you change your diet or have to take medications, it can help you deal with diabetes
and avoid all the potential complications at the same time.