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Diabetes In Women: Warning Signs That Most Ignore

One of the most common metabolic disorders that women suffer from is  diabetes. In diabetes, the body is unable to process or produce insulin. Insulin is responsible for converting blood sugar to energy. High levels of sugar in the blood can lead to complete organ failure. Anyone can get this disease irrespective of social strata, race, gender and age. Since women react differently to diabetes because of different hormones and how inflammation manifests itself in their bodies, their symptoms are slightly varied from diabetic men.

Symptoms of Diabetes in Women:

1. Female Sexual Dysfunction

Since diabetes can cause damage to the nerves, different areas of the body can get affected. Women may lose sensation in their legs, hands and their vaginal areas thus leading to sexual dysfunction.

2. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is caused when a woman’s body produces more male hormones. It has been found that sometimes it causes insulin resistance and can lead to Diabetes. Consult your GP if you suffer from PCOS.

Read More: Know The Difference Between PCOD & PCOS

3. Yeast Infections

Vaginal thrush and yeast infections are caused in diabetic women as the high levels of blood sugar create ideal conditions for fungus to grow in the vagina and the mouth. Symptoms of yeast and fungal infection are severe itching, soreness, vaginal discharge and uncomfortable sex. Get medical treatment immediately if you have been diagnosed with yeast or fungal infections.

Women are at higher risk of other diabetes-related complications such as blindness, kidney disease, and depression. So regular testing of Hba1c and physician visit is a must.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

4. Urinary Infections (UTI)

Women suffer from painful urination accompanied by a burning sensation and discoloured urine if they suffer from UTI. Diabetics have poor blood circulation that hampers the curbing of infections. Also, infections take a long time to heal in diabetics so consult your doctor if you suspect a UTI.

Read More: UTI Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

5. Increased Thirst and Hunger

High blood sugar robs the cells of fluid thus increasing thirst. The hunger rises in diabetic women because of the inability of the body to convert blood sugar to energy.

6. Frequent Urination

The increased thirst and the subsequent glasses of water result in frequent trips to the washroom. Maintain good personal hygiene as frequent urination can prove to be a breeding ground for UTI causing bacteria.

7. Unexplained Weight Change

Weight gain or weight loss without an obvious cause is another symptom of diabetes. The body is unable to efficiently utilize the food consumed leading to sudden weight loss. Excessive hunger can lead to weight gain, again detrimental to diabetics.

Also Read: How to Stop Bad Period Smell: Research-Based Tips and Home Remedies

8. Mood changes

Women suffering from diabetes experience bouts of irritability, anxiety and sometimes even depression.

9. Fruity Breath

The increased levels of toxins in the body can be blamed for sweet-smelling, fruity breath in diabetic women.

Diabetes associated with pregnancy may not have any warning symptoms but is usually diagnosed with simple blood tests. A healthy baby is very much possible if the blood sugar levels are kept under strict control during pregnancy and delivery.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.

10. Diminished Vision

The eyes are one of the first organs to get affected by diabetes. Cataract and glaucoma commonly affect the eyes. Blurred vision is a symptom of diabetes.

Read More: Understanding the Relation Between Eyes & Diabetes

11. Fatigue

Due to the inefficient use of energy in the body, women suffering from diabetes suffer from high levels of fatigue.

Also Read: 8 Symptoms of Diabetes in Men

12. Slow Healing Wounds

The wound healing process is extremely slow in diabetic women. Avoid getting injured and get immediate medical help, in case you do. Feet are especially sensitive. Gangrene is very common in diabetic patients so avoid injuries.

Read More: 10 Home Remedies for Diabetes  

Diabetes in Men vs Women- Facts

While some of the signs of diabetes in women are similar to those in men, this condition affects men and women in different ways:  

Want to manage your diabetes effectively? Book your free diabetes consultation from our experts!

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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