Women and diabetes are the two topics that are gaining more and more attention worldwide. Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects the way the body processes blood sugar (glucose). It is also known as a silent killer as its symptoms often go unnoticed.

World Diabetes Day is celebrated every year on 14th November in order to raise awareness about this growing disease and to promote better health outcomes for those living with diabetes.

Prevalence of Diabetes among Women

Diabetes affects both men and women, however there are some differences in how the disease affects women.

According to a report by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) in 2017, there are approximately 199 million women living with diabetes worldwide, and this number is projected to increase to 313 million by 2040. In addition to this, women with diabetes have a higher risk of developing complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, and depression than men with diabetes.

Challenges Faced by Women with Diabetes

Women with diabetes face various challenges that are unique to their gender, such as:.

Pregnancy and Diabetes

Diabetes during pregnancy, commonly known as gestational diabetes, is a growing concern worldwide.

According to the IDF, one in seven births is affected by gestational diabetes, and it is estimated that by 2030, over 21 million live births will be affected by this condition. Women who develop gestational diabetes are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life and their children are also at a higher risk of developing obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Menopause and Diabetes

Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. It occurs when the ovaries stop producing estrogen and progesterone, which can lead to changes in a woman’s blood sugar levels.

This can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Access to Healthcare and Diabetes

Access to healthcare can be a challenge for many women, especially in low- and middle-income countries, where healthcare services may be limited or not available at all.

This can result in poor diabetes management and a higher risk of developing complications.

Socio-Cultural Factors and Diabetes

Socio-cultural factors also play a role in the development and management of diabetes among women.

For example, cultural norms may dictate that women prioritize the health of their families over their own health, which can lead to neglect of their own healthcare needs.

World Diabetes Day 2017

The theme for World Diabetes Day 2017 was “Women and Diabetes – Our Right to a Healthy Future”, which aimed to raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by women with diabetes.

The IDF called for actions to improve access to affordable and equitable diabetes care, education, and prevention for all women.

Conclusion

Diabetes is a growing concern worldwide and affects both men and women. However, women with diabetes face unique challenges that must be addressed in order to promote better health outcomes.

World Diabetes Day is an important opportunity to raise awareness about these challenges and to call for action to improve access to affordable and equitable diabetes care, education, and prevention for all women.