Health Desk: Diabetes can look and feel different in women. Identifying and treating the unique symptoms and risks of women with diabetes can improve quality of life. Diabetes is a group of metabolic diseases in which a person has high levels of glucose – also known as blood sugar – in their blood due to problems with making or using the hormone insulin. Your body needs insulin in order to make and use energy from the carbohydrates you consume. Diabetes- 9 Symptoms of Diabetes in Women.
There are three common types of diabetes:-
1. Type 1 Diabetes- Your body cannot make insulin due to autoimmune dysfunction.
2. Type 2 Diabetes- This is the most common and occurs when your body is unable to use insulin properly.
3. Gestational Diabetes- It is caused due to pregnancy.
Diabetes can affect people of any lifestyle and any age, caste, ethnic group, gender. The condition can often have a more severe effect on women than men. A 2019 literature review looked at the association between diabetes and poor health outcomes in more than 5.1 million people across 49 studies. Researchers found that, compared to men with diabetes, women with diabetes experienced-
- 13% higher risk of death from all causes.
- 30% higher risk of death from heart disease.
- 58% higher risk of death from coronary heart disease.
To know more about diabetes in women then read this article till the end. In this article, we will discuss 9 important symptoms of diabetes in women which will help you to detect diabetes earlier in your life.
Importance of early diagnosis-
Recognizing the early symptoms of type 2 diabetes can allow a person to receive a diagnosis and treatment sooner. Getting proper treatment, making lifestyle changes, and controlling blood sugar levels can greatly improve a person’s health and quality of life and reduce the risk of complications.
Without treatment, persistently high blood sugar levels can cause serious and sometimes life-threatening complications, including:
- Heart disease.
- Stroke.
- Nerve damage or neuropathy.
- Foot problem.
- Kidney disease, as a result of which the person may need dialysis.
- Eye disease or loss of vision.
- Sexual problems.
To prevent some of these complications, it is important to keep blood sugar levels under control. If the blood sugar level remains uncontrolled for a long time, then you are at a higher risk of other health problems.
Untreated diabetes can also cause hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome (HHS), which causes severe and persistent increases in blood sugar levels. An illness or infection will usually trigger HHS, which may require hospitalization. This sudden complication affects older people more.
Symptoms of diabetes in women-
The symptoms of diabetes are often similar in women and men. However, some symptoms are unique to women. Understanding these symptoms can help you identify and treat diabetes early.
1. Candida infection-
Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar levels, can trigger the growth of the fungus. An overgrowth of yeast caused by the Candida fungus can lead to a vaginal or oral yeast infection. These common infections are also called thrush. When an infection develops in the vaginal area, the symptoms may include:-
- Itching of vagina.
- Vaginal discharge.
- Painful sex.
- Agony
- Oral yeast infection often causes a white coating on the tongue and inside the mouth.
2. Urinary tract infection (UTI)-
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) develop when bacteria enter the urinary tract. Women who have diabetes are at a higher risk of urinary tract infection (UTI). UTIs are common in this group primarily because hyperglycemia compromises the immune system. You can feel the following symptoms in UTI: –
- Painful urination.
- Burning sensation during urination.
- Bloody or cloudy urine.
- If these symptoms are not treated on time then there is a risk of kidney infection.
3. Dryness of vagina-
Diabetic neuropathy occurs when high blood sugar levels damage your nerve fibers. This damage can trigger tingling and numbness in various parts of the body, including:–
- Hand
- Feet
- Diabetic neuropathy can also affect sensation in the vaginal area, leading to symptoms such as vaginal dryness.
4. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)-
Experts do not know the exact cause of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This can happen if a woman produces androgens (male hormones) in excess and has certain risk factors, such as a family history of PCOS. In one study, researchers found that the main androgens involved in PCOS are testosterone and androstenedione.
Symptoms of PCOS include:-
- Irregular periods.
- Weight gain.
- Acne.
- Depression.
- Infertility.
PCOS is also associated with a type of insulin resistance that elevates blood sugar levels and increases your risk of developing diabetes. Insulin resistance can be either a symptom or a cause of PCOS.
5. Blurred vision-
Excess of sugar in the blood can damage the small blood vessels in the eyes, which can lead to blurred vision. It can happen in one or both the eyes. High blood sugar levels can also lead to inflammation of the lens of the eyes.
It may cause blurred vision but will improve once the blood sugar level comes down. If a person suffering from diabetes does not receive timely treatment, more and more severe damage to these blood vessels can occur, and eventually lead to permanent vision loss.
6. Slow healing of cuts and wounds-
High sugar levels in the blood can damage the nerves and blood vessels of the body, which can impair blood circulation. As a result, small cuts and sores can take weeks or even months to heal. Slow wound healing also increases the risk of infection.
7. Tingling, numbness or pain in hands or feet-
High blood sugar levels can affect blood circulation and damage nerves. In people with type 2 diabetes, this can cause pain or a sensation of tingling or numbness in the hands and feet. This condition is known as neuropathy. It can worsen over time and lead to more serious complications if a person does not get their diabetes treated.
8. Dark skin spots-
Dark skin patches that form on the folds of the neck, armpits, or groin can also result from diabetes. These spots may feel soft and velvety. This skin condition is known as acanthosis nigricans.
9. Excessive thirst-
Frequent urination to remove excess sugar from the blood can lead to excess water loss in the body. Over time, this can lead to dehydration and a person may feel more thirsty than usual.
Risk factors for type 2 diabetes-
Anyone can develop diabetes, but certain factors can increase a person’s risk. These risk factors include:-
- Being 45 years or older.
- Living a sedentary lifestyle.
- Being overweight or obese.
- Eating unbalanced diet.
- Having a family history of diabetes.
- Having polycystic ovary syndrome.
- Having a medical history of gestational diabetes, heart disease, or stroke.
- Having prediabetes.
Conclusion-
Diabetes is a common condition that causes high blood sugar levels. Early signs and symptoms may include fatigue and hunger, frequent urination, increased thirst, vision problems, slow wound healing, and yeast infection.
Anyone who experiences possible symptoms and signs of diabetes should contact a doctor for evaluation, especially if they have other risk factors for developing the condition. Early detection and treatment of diabetes can improve a person’s quality of life and reduce the risk of serious complications.
Frequently Asked question-
1. Can you be diabetic without knowing it?
Some people do not see any symptoms at all. Type 2 diabetes usually starts when you are an adult, although more and more children and teenagers are developing it. Since the symptoms are difficult to recognise, it is important to know the risk factors for type 2 diabetes. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, see your doctor immediately.
2. How do most people know they have diabetes?
The only way to know for sure that you have diabetes is to get yourself tested from time to time. The most common tests are the A1C test and the plasma glucose test that can help you diagnose diabetes.
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