Diabetes in women is becoming more and more common. It seems as though diabetes in women has become a lifestyle or societal disease. In our busy society today, women are busy working, parenting, paying the bills, and taking care of the home. These are just a few of the normal responsibilities of a woman.
This busy lifestyle leads to a lack of exercise and physical activity, a poor diet, high stress, and poor sleep habits. These lifestyle choices lead to overweight, obesity, heart disease, chronic pain issues, and diabetes.
There are two main types of diabetes mellitus. Women also have to consider a third type of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes, also called juvenile onset or insulin dependent diabetes, occurs when the pancreas organ does not produce enough of the insulin hormone to properly metabolize blood sugar. Type 2 diabetes, also called adult onset or insulin resistant diabetes, occurs when the cells in the body become resistant to the insulin hormone.
The insulin hormone is used to help the cells in the body absorb and metabolize blood sugar. If the body does not produce enough insulin or becomes resistant to the hormone, the metabolic disorder known as diabetes mellitus occurs.
The third type of diabetes that only occurs in women is known as gestational diabetes. This condition occurs in pregnancy, and is typically diagnosed in the middle of the second trimester, at around 24 weeks of pregnancy. This condition usually resolves itself after birth.
What Are the Symptoms of Diabetes in Women?
There are many signs and symptoms of diabetes in women. These are the most common signs and symptoms, and typically occur in anybody with diabetes, not just women.
- Frequent or excessive urination
- Excessive and unexplained thirst
- Increased and unexplained hunger
- Increased fatigue
- Fruity smelling urine, sweat or breath
Uncommon Signs of Diabetes in Women
There are a few other symptoms that are more common in type 2 diabetes. These signs and symptoms alone may be symptomatic of diabetes. However, they are usually paired with some of the common symptoms listed above.
- Frequent oral, skin, or bladder infections
- Sores, cuts or bruises that are slow to heal
- Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
- Blurred vision, dizziness, or vertigo
It should be noted that women who suffered from gestational diabetes during pregnancy are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Treatment for Diabetes 2 Symptoms in Women
The treatment plan for both types of diabetes includes diet modifications, food journaling, blood sugar logging and monitoring, and a regular activity program.
Additional treatment for type 2 diabetes might include oral medications to help the body use insulin. Weight loss and other medications may also be necessary. On occasion, insulin injections are also necessary.
If you are suffering from diabetes, the best way to prevent complications is to make sure that your blood glucose is well controlled.
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