Diabetes is a condition in which a person has high blood sugar because they can’t produce or process insulin. No one is immune to diabetes, whether young or old, man or women. The symptoms of diabetes in women are almost the same as men. But, due to the anatomical difference in the body few things might vary.
High levels of sugar in the blood can result in organ failure. Naturally, women react differently to diabetes than men because of their hormones. That’s why their symptoms vary from that of diabetic men. This article discusses the symptoms of diabetes in women.
Women who have diabetes are likely to develop other conditions. Unfortunately, most of them would focus on these conditions without considering it correlates with diabetes. So, when they treat the illness, it will continue to reappear until a test to carry out to know the actual cause.
Symptoms of Diabetes in Women are listed below;
1. Yeast Infections
Women with diabetes will likely experience vaginal thrust and yeast infection. This occurs due to the high levels of blood sugar that create the perfect environment for fungus to grow in the vagina.
Some common signs of yeast infection include soreness, vaginal discharge, severe itching, and lack of pleasure during sex. If you notice any of these signs, seek professional help as soon as possible.
2. Frequent Urination
This is the most common symptoms of diabetes in women as well as men. Several factors can result in visiting the bathroom consistently. Some of them are drinking much water, pregnancy, and other medical conditions. One of these medical conditions is diabetes.
There is always an urge to consume water constantly when experiencing diabetes. This excessive thirst causes frequent urination. You need to maintain good hygiene to prevent urinary tract infections.
3. Excessive Thirst – symptoms of diabetes in women that you should not ignore
Excessive thirst and frequent urination work hand in hand. As the body eliminates sugar with fluids, you’ll feel the urge to take more water. Usually, if you perform a hectic activity or eat a spicy meal, you’ll feel thirsty. But when you notice that after drinking a lot of water, thirst persists, see your doctor. It is probably the symptoms of diabetes.
4. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
It is not uncommon for women with diabetes to suffer from urinary tract infections. This condition causes painful urination with a burning sensation and discolored urine. Due to the poor blood circulation in diabetics, infections develop quickly in their body. Any sign of UTI should be reported to your doctor because infections take a longer time to heal when experiencing diabetes.
5. Sexual Dysfunction
After a long time without adequate treatment, diabetes can cause damage to the nerves. Different areas of the body such as the legs, hands, and the vagina area can become affected. Women who experience these symptoms wouldn’t feel sensations in these parts of the body, including the vagina. This can lead to sexual dysfunction.
6. Increased Hunger
Hunger is a natural sign the body gives when there is inadequate food. Most times, when you feel hungry, your stomach will make funny sounds and you might develop a headache. It’s perfectly normal to feel that way.
There are several reasons for experiencing hunger and some of them include excessive exercise, a diet that lacks protein, dehydration, certain medications, and stress. However, after eating, you should feel relieved for some time.
If you suffer from diabetes, you will discover that after eating a meal, hunger will persist. You’ll likely want to eat more but won’t feel satisfied after a short period. The hunger occurs because of the body’s inability to convert blood sugar to energy.
It can be compared with mounting pressure on your body to perform a difficult task. That’s why you need to see your doctor if you notice an insatiable appetite.
7. Mood Changes
Women with diabetes can experience different emotions ranging from anxiety, irritability, or depression. The changes their body is going through can be frustrating and strenuous at the same time.
8. Slow Healing
Doctors always advise women with diabetes to avoid having cuts or bruises. The healing process takes a lot of time and the wound might get worse in the long run. Poor blood circulation is a major factor in this situation, which no one has control over. Try your best to prevent a cut or bruises if you have diabetes, and if it happens accidentally, get immediate medical care.
9. Diminished Vision
Diminished or blurred vision is a result of elevated blood sugar levels. Fluids are extracted from several parts of the body to the bloodstream, including the lenses of the eyes. Then, the eyes become too dry thereby losing focus. Although cataract and glaucoma cause blurred vision, diabetes also causes it too.
10. Fatigue
The body needs glucose to perform activities, and it is gotten from the foods consumed. When the pancreas produces insulin, it moves glucose from the blood to the cells. After the process is completed, energy will be available for use when you want to perform activities or when sleeping.
Since diabetes results from the inability of the pancreas to make enough insulin, energy won’t be available. Then, extreme fatigue sets in. Don’t procrastinate a visit to your doctor if you notice unusual feelings of fatigue with no noticeable cause.
11. Weight Change
Unusual weight loss or weight gain is a common symptom of diabetes. When you feel excessive hunger, you will want to eat more and this might cause weight gain. In another case, the body’s inability to make use of glucose can lead to sudden weight loss. Whether you experience sudden weight loss or gain, without being sick or going through emotional trauma, see your doctor.
12. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
This disorder may cause insulin resistance that causes elevated blood sugar levels. Signs of PCOS are irregular periods, acne, depression, infertility, and weight gain. It occurs when a person produces a large number of male hormones.
Presently, there is no cure for diabetes. Once you’ve been diagnosed with the condition, you should be able to manage it.
With the right medications, recommended diet, and exercise, you’ll be able to live a normal life. Also, remember to see your doctor if you notice something unusual.