It has been estimated that at least 12.6 million women in the United States have diabetes. While the disease presents a challenge to both men and women, women with diabetes face additional risks and complications.
Women with diabetes are more likely to die from heart disease, which is one of the most common complications of diabetes for both men and women. While men are also at risk, the risk is much greater for women. "The risk for heart disease is six times higher for women with diabetes than those without," says Marianne Legato, MD, FACP,
director of the Partnership for Gender-Specific Medicine at Columbia University.
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Gestational diabetes can develop during pregnancy and has the same physiological effects as other types of diabetes. However, high blood sugar affects not only the mother's health but also the outcome of the pregnancy and the health of the baby.
American Pregnancy states, "If gestational diabetes is diagnosed and treated effectively, there is little risk of complications." Left untreated however, the risks can include a large birth weight, premature delivery, increased chance of cesarean delivery and a slight increase in the risk of fetal and neonatal death. In addition, once a woman has had gestational diabetes, her risk for developing type 2 diabetes is higher.
The American Diabetes Association states, "The rate of depression in people with diabetes is much higher than in the general population." In addition, women are twice as likely as men to experience depression and the level of depression increases even further in women with diabetes.
Sexual health in women with diabetes also can be compromised. This seems to be related to the side effects of diabetes including fatigue, feeling irritable, depression, and anxiety. Weight issues affecting self-esteem may also play a role in reducing sex drive.
Yeast infections are much more common for women who have diabetes because high blood sugar provides a yeast friendly environment. According to Dr. Daniel Einhorn of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, "Some women, especially those with poorly controlled diabetes, have some compromise in their ability to fight off any infection.” This means that once a yeast infection has begun,
getting rid of it may not be that easy, reports Everyday Health.
Weight gain is a significant symptom of diabetes and women with type 2 diabetes are prone to developing bulimia, an eating disorder that involves binge eating and purging.
A study in the National Institutes of Health examined "the relationship of weight and eating disorders in type 2 diabetic patients" and determined there was a "strong relationship between body mass index (BMI) and eating disturbance-related variables."
This article is for information only and is not intended as medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your specific health and medical needs.
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