Diabetes is a disease caused by high blood sugar levels and can affect anyone, regardless of gender. Risk factors include a family history of diabetes, an unhealthy diet, and a lack of physical activity.

However, women face unique risks associated with diabetes, such as gestational diabetes, which can develop during pregnancy. Although gestational diabetes typically resolves after pregnancy, it can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Negative impact of diabetes on women

Poorly controlled diabetes can affect a woman's life in a variety of ways, including:

Increased risk of infection

Women with diabetes are more likely to develop yeast infections and urinary tract infections (UTIs). High sugar levels in the blood provide an ideal environment for yeast and bacterial growth. Poor circulation also reduces the body's ability to fight infections.

To avoid this, manage blood sugar levels to keep them stable, do not hold back urination, drink plenty of water, and wear cotton underwear that keeps the genital area dry.

Irregular menstrual cycle

Women with type 1 and type 2 diabetes are more likely to experience irregular menstrual cycles. Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can impair blood sugar control. These changes include increased insulin resistance during specific stages of the menstrual cycle. Hormonal changes can also cause complications like high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) or low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

Sexual arousal disorder

Diabetes can reduce sexual arousal in women by causing vaginal dryness. This condition makes intercourse unpleasant or even painful.

Difficulty becoming pregnant

Women with diabetes frequently have difficulty conceiving. Factors such as obesity, being underweight, hormonal disorders, and other diabetic complications like nerve damage, PCOS, and autoimmunity can all have an impact on fertility.

Risk of gestational diabetes

Women with risk factors such as obesity, physical inactivity, a history of prediabetes or gestational diabetes, or PCOS have a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes. This condition can lead to type 2 diabetes later in life and can also impact the baby, including:

• Large birth weight
• Hypoglycemia in the baby
• Breathing problems
• Increased risk of obesity in infants
• Increased risk of type 2 diabetes in adulthood

Pregnancy complications

High blood sugar levels can lead to pregnancy complications, including:

• Fetal anomalies or defects
• Baby being born overweight
• Need for a cesarean section
• Preeclampsia and eclampsia
• Premature labor
• Miscarriage or stillbirth

Women with a history of prediabetes or diabetes should carefully monitor their blood sugar levels. If you have difficulty managing your blood sugar, seek advice from a doctor or nutritionist on organizing a healthy diet, increasing physical activity, and considering blood sugar-management medications.

Do you have other questions about diabetes? You can make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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