How Does Diabetes Affect Women Differently than Men?

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the body's ability to regulate blood sugar. Although diabetes can affect both men and women, some symptoms are more likely to impact women. Diabetes can have a significant impact on women’s health. Women with diabetes are at greater risk for certain complications than men, such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. Women with diabetes are also more likely to experience sexual dysfunction, urinary tract infections, yeast infections, depression, anxiety, pregnancy complications, such as gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, and stillbirth, and other mental health issues. 

Effects of Diabetes on Women

Men and women both experience many of the same diabetes symptoms, although women are more likely to experience some particular symptoms. 

Oral and Vaginal Thrush

A mouth and vaginal yeast infection, sometimes known as thrush, may be more common in diabetic women. The Candida fungus that causes the illness thrives in environments with high blood sugar levels. Itchy feelings, painful skin, and vaginal discharge are among the symptoms. If the fungus infects the mouth, it can cause dyspareunia, often known as painful sex, and a white tongue covering. The body's immune system is less able to fight off infections including bacteria, viruses, and fungus when blood sugar levels are high.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Women with diabetes are more likely to get vaginal yeast infections and urinary tract infections (UTIs). This is due to the fact that high glucose levels can encourage yeast development while high blood sugar levels can impair the immune system's ability to function. Urination that is painful, burning, murky, or has blood in it are all signs of a UTI. Anyone with diabetes who has a UTI has to get treated right once to avoid future issues, like a kidney infection. 

Sexual dysfunction

Reduced libido or sex drive may be caused by an increased risk of a UTI or candidiasis. Diabetic neuropathy affects a lot of diabetics. This occurs when the body's nerve fibers are harmed as a result of excessive blood glucose levels. This has a very diverse range of effects. Reduced sensation in the hands, feet, and legs as well as altered vaginal sex are two of its symptoms. Additionally, there could be inadequate vaginal lubrication, problems with clitoral stimulation and orgasms, pain during sex, and anxiety. All of these factors may influence a person's interest in or enjoyment of sex. 

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) 

If someone has diabetes, they are more likely to have PCOS. The ovaries are unable to release eggs adequately due to a hormonal imbalance in PCOS. It may have an impact on fertility. Although PCOS is not a sign of diabetes, women who have the disease are more likely to have it than women who do not. There may be a genetic component, but insulin production and PCOS may possibly be related. Menstrual cycle irregularities, acne, depression, difficulties getting pregnant, a gain in body weight, and changes in the skin are other symptoms. A person should inquire with their doctor about a diabetic screening if they are given a PCOS diagnosis.

Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a temporary condition that can affect some pregnant women. Despite the fact that gestational diabetes typically resolves after delivery, those who have it may be more susceptible to type 2 diabetes in the future. A C-section may be necessary; tough labor, tears in the vagina or between the anus and the vagina, and significant bleeding after delivery are further potential complications. Jaundice, low blood sugar, and breathing issues can be present at birth. Testing is essential, particularly for those who could be at risk because there might not be any symptoms during pregnancy.

Blood Sugar Changes During the Menstrual Cycle 

Because blood sugar levels may vary throughout a person's menstrual cycle and have an impact on how they manage their diabetes, diabetes can also affect a person's menstrual cycle. In the final two weeks before periods, or the luteal phase, blood sugar levels frequently increase. As progesterone levels rise, their insulin sensitivity decreases, and they develop more insulin resistance. 

Increased Heart Attack Risk 

Diabetes increases a woman's risk of a heart attack at a younger age. Due to the many ways in which heart disease can manifest in women, many of them might not be aware of an underlying heart condition until something like a heart attack happens. 

Let’s have a look at what our doctors have to say:

Diabetes: Treatment & Management | Yashoda Hospitals Hyderabad

Diabetes Remission- Can Diabetes be Reversed? | Yashoda Hospitals Hyderabad

Know About Prediabetes | Yashoda Hospitals Hyderabad

Health Talk : Newer Treatment Approaches for Diabetes | Yashoda Hospitals Hyderabad

Can Diabetes be Cured?

There is no cure for diabetes. But after the diagnosis has been made, you can manage your symptoms. Managing diabetes and blood sugar may present particular challenges for women. Some birth control drugs, for instance, can make you have higher blood sugar levels. Hence, it is recommended that you consult a doctor and consider switching to a low-dose birth control pill if you want to keep your blood sugar levels moderate. 

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