Warning signs of diabetes in women

In countries where women have access to yearly check up on health, physicians generally test for blood sugar level to determine whether one has diabetes or not or if the sugar level is at border line.

Before visiting doctor, women can also watch for warning signs that might help to be cautious about health and take further tests on diabetes.

Women need to be aware that, men and women body systems are different.

Women who develop diabetes suffer differently and their life span reduces significantly when compared to men. Impact of diabetes on women is harsher.

Many might not be even aware of developing diabetes symptoms.

If you are above 35, then watch for below mentioned warning signs of diabetes in women. These signs could lead to diabetes.

1. Urinary tract infections (UTI): Increased sugar level can decrease body’s immune system function and fight against infection. White blood cells function is to keep a check on infection. Increased blood sugar level results in poor circulation of blood and interferes with WBC function. This is one the reason women who has diabetes face frequent urinary tract infections.
2. Gestational diabetes: Women who develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy might end up with Type 2 diabetes in their later stage of life.
3. Heavy weight and obesity: Excess weight can lead to type 2 diabetes. If you are overweight and BMI is high, sweating and tired all the time you might be heading to type 2 diabetes.
4. Weight loss: If you are eating regularly and your diet is good and still you find out you are losing weight then, it can be due to early diabetes.
5. Yeast infections: High level of sugar can lead to more yeast and fungal infection. Vaginal and oral yeast infection increases with increase in sugar level. These microbes thrive on sugar and they utilize the sugar to keep growing/ multiplying. Feminine itching is commonly due to high sugar level.
6. Skin infections: Skin infection with unexplained rashes and redness due to rashes could be a sign too.
7. Polycystic ovary syndrome: Irregular periods, weight gain, depression and acne are symptoms of PCOS. This results in infertility and insulin resistance that elevates blood sugar level.
8. With above signs, other common symptoms like: Increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, slow healing wounds, irritability, reduced feeling in feet and hands – are other signs that are warning symptoms of diabetes.

According to  US Dept. of Health and Human services, women will be at risk for type 2 diabetes if you are: Older than 45, overweight, family history of diabetes, gestational diabetes, high BP, high cholesterol, no or less exercise, history of heart disease and stroke.

If you feel that you have any or all these symptoms, contact your doctor and check for blood sugar level.

References:

• http://kellerhealthresources.com
• https://www.sepalika.com
• https://www.prevention.com/health
• Image credit: Photo by Hush Naidoo on Unsplash