Pre-diabetes symptoms in women can be disturbing or they occur with no warning at all. Pre-diabetes, also known as impaired glucose testing, is a condition in which a person’s blood sugar level is higher than normal, but not high enough to be considered diabetic. This stage is when women need to re-evaluate their lifestyle and modify anything that can be contributing negatively to their overall well-being.
Considering that there may be no signs or women may be ignorant of what the symptoms are, it is vital that women educate themselves about this deadly disease. Females need to be aware that their health and vitality is at stake. Symptoms are only the initial signs of the disease. As diabetes progresses, it will systemically affect the heart, liver, kidney, eyes, nerves, bowels, and any other organ that is fed by a blood supply. Once the damage has occurred, there is no reversing it. When pre-diabetes symptoms in women are present, they need to act quickly to prevent further damage.
Pre Diabetes Symptoms in Women – What Are They?
One of the first pre-diabetes symptoms in women is acanthosis nigricans, which is when flexible areas of the skin, such as armpits, knuckles, elbows, fingers and the neck start to darken. This condition occurs when excess melanin buildups due to the extra sugar left in the blood. Pre-diabetic women may also suffer from a condition called polycystic ovarian syndrome. This disease causes an imbalance in their hormones, which reduces estrogen and increases testosterone resulting in facial and bodily hair growth, acne, irregular periods, and infertility.
Other symptoms that may present are an increased need to eat, drink, and urinate. Often times, women may not connect these symptoms with diabetes due to their menstrual cycle, female issues, or emotional eating. It is important, however, that when a person feels extreme thirst and the need to urinate often, especially at night, that these practices are not normal and should be checked by a doctor immediately. Less obvious symptoms are fatigue, unexplained weight loss, recurrent infection, and impaired vision.
Pre Diabetes Symptoms in Women – Risk Factors
Regardless of pre-diabetes symptoms in women, individuals who have any risk factors should be aware of the possibility of developing diabetes and should monitor their blood sugar regularly. Females who are overweight or obese, and who have a waistline of over thirty-five inches are likely to have diabetes. Losing at least 10% of their total weight can drastically reduce their chances of contracting this disease.
Women that are over forty-five years old, have high blood pressure, triglycerides over fifty, and LDL cholesterol under fifty-five are also at increased risk for Type 2 diabetes. In addition, women who have a family history of diabetes, have above normal sugar levels, and have had gestational diabetes should take the utmost care to prevent the disease. They should add exercise to their routine, eat nutritiously, and avoid alcohol and tobacco.
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