Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions of people worldwide. While it can affect anyone at any age, it is particularly dangerous in women due to various reasons.

Women with diabetes have a higher risk of developing serious complications like heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, and nerve damage. Unfortunately, many women are unaware of their diabetes until it’s too late as it is a silent killer.

In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about diabetes in women, its risk factors, symptoms, complications, and prevention measures.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus, commonly referred to as diabetes, is a chronic disorder in which the body cannot produce enough insulin or cannot use it effectively.

Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, is essential to regulating the body’s blood sugar levels. When the body is unable to produce insulin or use it properly, glucose levels build up in the blood, causing hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).

Types of Diabetes

There are three main types of diabetes, and each has its unique features and risk factors. These are;.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes accounts for about 5 to 10% of all diabetes cases and often develops in children or young adults.

This type of diabetes develops when the immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, causing a shortage of insulin in the body.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, accounting for about 90 to 95% of all diabetes cases. It typically affects adults, but it is not uncommon to find it in children as well.

This type of diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or does not produce enough insulin to meet the needs of the body. It is often linked to lifestyle factors such as a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, and obesity.

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops in pregnant women. It usually develops in the second or third trimester and often goes away after delivery.

However, women with gestational diabetes have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Risk Factors for Diabetes in Women

Several factors increase a woman’s risk of developing diabetes. These include;.

Age

The risk of developing diabetes increases as you get older. Women over the age of 45 are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than younger women.

Gender

Women are more likely to develop diabetes than men, and this is partly due to hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and menopause.

Family History

If you have a family history of diabetes, you are more likely to develop the condition.

Obesity and Sedentary Lifestyle

Being overweight or obese and leading a sedentary lifestyle increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Gestational Diabetes

If you had gestational diabetes during pregnancy, you are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS, a common hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age, can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Women with PCOS often have insulin resistance.

Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes in Women

Many women with diabetes often don’t realize they have the condition until they develop serious complications. However, some common signs and symptoms may indicate you have diabetes. These include;.

Increased Thirst and Urination

One of the most common symptoms of diabetes is increased thirst and frequent urination. This is due to excess glucose building up in your bloodstream, causing your kidneys to work overtime to filter and absorb it.

As a result, you may feel the need to urinate more frequently than usual.

Blurred Vision

High blood sugar levels can damage the small blood vessels in your eyes, leading to blurred vision.

Fatigue and Weakness

When your body cannot use glucose effectively, it leads to a lack of energy, leaving you feeling fatigued and weak.

Slow Healing Wounds

High blood sugar levels can reduce blood flow to your extremities, making it difficult for your wounds to heal.

Tingling and Numbness in the Extremities

Diabetes can cause nerve damage or neuropathy, leading to tingling and numbness in your hands and feet.

Recurrent Infections

High blood sugar levels can weaken your immune system, making you more prone to infections like vaginal yeast and urinary tract infections.

Complications of Diabetes in Women

Some of the complications associated with diabetes in women include;.

Heart Disease and Stroke

Women with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases than men with diabetes. High blood sugar levels lead to fatty deposits in the blood vessels, causing them to narrow or block altogether.

This increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Kidney Disease

Diabetes can damage the small blood vessels in your kidneys, affecting their ability to filter waste from your blood. This can lead to kidney disease or even failure.

Blindness

Diabetes can damage the blood vessels in your retina, leading to blindness.

Neuropathy

Diabetes can cause nerve damage, leading to tingling, numbness, and loss of sensation in your hands and feet. It can also cause nerve damage to your digestive system, leading to constipation, bloating, and diarrhea.

Prevention of Diabetes in Women

Preventing diabetes is essential to avoid complications associated with the condition. Here are some ways to prevent diabetes;.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Eating a healthy diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats can help you maintain a healthy weight and prevent diabetes.

Get Regular Exercise

Regular exercise, such as brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or dancing, can help you maintain a healthy weight and improve your insulin sensitivity.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Losing just 5 to 10% of your body weight can significantly reduce your risk of developing the condition.

Quit Smoking

Smoking can increase your risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

Conclusion

Diabetes is a silent killer that affects millions of women worldwide. While it can lead to severe complications, it is preventable through regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating a healthy diet.

It’s essential to watch out for the signs and symptoms of diabetes and seek treatment early to avoid the complications associated with the condition.