Adult Diabetes: Women's Health
Women living
with diabetes need to take extra-special care as women may experience particular
challenges related to stress, sex and pregnancy.
Women with diabetes are
also at risk of developing premature menopause and the consequent increased
risks of cardiovascular disease. Your risk is also increased for many serious diabetes-related
complications including blindness, nerve damage and kidney damage.
Changing hormone levels
can lead to blood sugar levels that are less stable. With variations in both hormones
and blood sugar, you might experience mood swings, fatigue and even decreased
sexual function. Birth control pills can also affect your blood glucose levels.
You should include your gynecologist as part of your diabetes health care team.
Some women even experience
signs of depression that might result from diabetes.
Pregnancy
Your insulin needs may
change when you're pregnant. Your doctor may check your blood glucose more
often and may want you to take more insulin. You will probably take insulin
instead of pills when you're pregnant.
If you are pregnant:
- Get your blood glucose
as close to the normal range as possible
- See a doctor who has
experience in taking care of pregnant diabetics
- Have your eyes and
kidneys checked
- Make sure you and your unborn
baby have a healthy diet
If you're already
pregnant, see your doctor as soon as possible. It's important to bring your
blood glucose close to normal so that you'll stay healthy during your
pregnancy.
Menopause
How the hormonal changes
of menopause affect blood glucose may vary depending on the individual. You
might mistake menopausal symptoms as symptoms of low glucose levels. Menopause
can cause greater fluctuations in blood glucose that can make sleep more
difficult and contribute to mood changes, fatigue and hot flashes.
