Do you feel excessively thirsty most of the time even after drinking a lot of water? Or, maybe you are going to the bathroom more than usual? As women, we occasionally seem to dismiss these changes as a busy life and as inevitable. However, these could be early signs of diabetes-a serious and dangerous condition that is increasingly affecting women.
Diabetes is a disease where the body has a problem controlling blood sugar levels. If it is not managed at the right time, it may result in some major health complications. Early detection of the ailment is, thus, the key to managing it well and avoiding those scary complications.
Diabetes and Its Participation with Women
Diabetes affects how the body utilizes glucose, or blood sugar, for energy. There are many types of diabetes, and knowing the type is crucial because this helps determine the causes and effect to health. This knowledge may inform how the risks and symptoms can be recognized and understood.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune cells mistakenly destroy pancreatic cells that produce insulin. To enter tissues for metabolism, glucose must bind to insulin. Thus, patients with type 1 diabetes are put on insulin injections or use an insulin pump for survival.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is the most common one. High levels of blood sugar develop when the body’s cells do not respond to insulin properly, a condition called insulin resistance. Initially, to avoid rising blood sugar, the pancreas produces an excessive amount of insulin. With time, insulin output becomes inadequate and blood sugar levels rise. The likelihood of this type developing goes up with weight, immobility, and family history of diabetes.
Gestational Diabetes
This form of diabetes tends to occur when a woman is pregnant. Pregnancy hormones make it difficult for insulin to do its job. Most times, gestational diabetes disappears after delivery. However, it predisposes both mother and child to developing type 2 diabetes later on in life.
Common Diabetes Symptoms in Women
Common diabetes signs are the same for the genders. It would be best to notice these common signs first; this step is the next step toward getting the necessary care.
Unexplained Thirst and Frequent Urination
High blood sugar makes the kidneys work doubly hard to wash out as much sugar as possible. It then pulls that extra sugar right into the water and turns it into urine. Hence, urinating more often makes you feel super thirsty. Drinking a lot might fail to quench that thirst.
Unexpected Loss of Weight
All of a sudden losing weight although not on any diet or exercising plan is now because, without adequate insulin, glucose may not be used by the body for energy, and fat and muscle will be burned instead. Thus, it translates to unplanned weight loss.
Blurry Vision
High blood glucose may distend the lens in the eye and this may obscure one’s vision. This blurriness can come at odd times. However, it would be a good idea to go see a doctor about it, as diabetes in this case can often clear things up with good control of blood glucose levels.
The Unique Diabetes Symptoms in Women
Women are likely to develop sure diabetes symptoms that usually relate to their hormonal fluctuations and reproductive health. Knowing these can assist in early detection.
Yeast Infection and Urinary Tract Infection
High levels of glucose can make yeast and bacteria thrive, which means a greater risk for women with diabetes for yeast and urinary tract infections (UTIs). Some infections may quite often be itching, burning, or discharge. So, if you experience frequent infections, just check your blood sugar.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS refers to a disorder of the hormones, as it affects the majority of women during their reproductive years and has some associations with insulin resistance. Such women are at much higher risk of diabetes. Irregular periods, cysts in the ovaries, and difficulty getting pregnant are caused by PCOS. You may need to control insulin resistance through dietary management and exercise if you have PCOS in order to lower the risk of acquiring diabetes.
Sexual Dysfunction
Diabetes damages nerves and blood vessels and can lead to such outcomes as sexual dysfunction. The affected women may either be dry in the vagina or may complain of pain when having sexual intercourse. These women may also have problems achieving sexual arousal. For such matters, they would approach their doctor for suggestions on managing any of the mentioned problems in their lives.
Spot Less Obvious Signs
At times, certain symptoms will make their appearance on stage very subtly with a halo and someone will brush them off to be anything else. Spotting such signs should be a priority because it is the only way of ensuring early detection.
Tiredness and Irritability
The contrary effect is felt when blood glucose levels fluctuate all the way upwards and fall back to normal levels. High blood sugar spells tiredness and sluggishness. When blood sugar levels dip, the effect, among other effects, is irritability and anxious feelings. Diet and exercise help maintain steady blood sugar levels, thus even out that mood swing.
Slow-Healing Sores or Cuts
High blood sugars usually impair the body’s capacity to cure; thus, small cuts and wounds will often take longer time than ordinary to heal, which is attributed to high glucose levels affecting blood and nerve functions within the body’s performance. Nurturing the skin and being alert to any wounds that heal slowly are paramount.
Conclusion
Recognizing symptoms of diabetes comes as the first step in getting yourself treated. Women face specific challenges when dealing with diabetes. Keeping yourself and your health first will go a long way in managing your risk. If you have an inkling that some symptoms point toward diabetes, consult your physician without delay. Lots of avenues and resources can help you lead a fulfilling life with diabetes.