The way men and women experience diabetes is not exactly the same. Women with diabetes face a number of challenges that men would not deal with. In this week’s blog, we will go over the challenges that make diabetes different in women than it is in men and the best way to cope accordingly.

Challenges for women with diabetes

Higher risk of vaginal yeast and urinary tract infections

Causes: The body of a women with diabetes offers bacteria and yeast a favorable environment: higher levels of sugar in the blood, poor circulation and difficulty in bladder emptying in some cases. 

Prevention and coping methods:

• keep your blood sugar levels close to the target range as much as possible

• drink enough water

• wear cotton underwear

• urinate often rather than waiting until your bladder is full.

Difficulty in controlling blood sugar levels 

Causes: The hormone levels change resulting in food cravings before and during the menstrual cycle.

Prevention and coping methods:

• Check your blood sugar often

• Keep track of the blood sugar results to detect a pattern. 

• May need to take more insulin in the days before your period. 

• Stay active most days of the week 

• Eat the right amount of healthy food 

• Get good quality sleep 

Lower sexual interest and ability to enjoy the sexual relation

Causes: Uncomfortable or painful intercourse because of vaginal dryness, nerve damage, reduced blood flow and hormonal changes

High blood sugar increases the risk for:

• Preeclampsia
• Delivery by caesarian section
• Miscarriage
• Still birth
• Infant birth defects 
• Higher infant weight and therefore harder delivery
• Breathing problems or low blood sugar in the infant after birth

 Prevention and coping methods:

• Consult with your doctor to know your options. They may suggest using vaginal lubricants or doing special exercises to help

Harder time getting pregnant and higher risk for complications

Causes: High blood sugar increases the risk for:

• Preeclampsia
• Delivery by caesarian section
• Miscarriage
• Still birth
• Infant birth defects 
• Higher infant weight and therefore harder delivery
• Breathing problems or low blood sugar in the infant after birth

Prevention and coping methods:

• Plan pregnancy ahead 

• Collaborate with your healthcare team to get your blood sugar levels in the healthy range 

• Adjust your daily routine accordingly

Unpredictable weight gain, blood sugar fluctuations and disrupted sleep after menopause

Causes: Women’s body makes less estrogen and goes through occasional hot flashes and sweating at night.

 Prevention and coping methods:

• Ask for your doctor’s help in managing menopause 

•  You may need to change the dosage of the diabetes medicines 

• Adopt a healthier daily routine

Additionally, it is proven that the risk of diabetes-related complications such as heart disease, blindness, kidney disease, and depression is higher in women than in man. 

 It is crucial to support the women we know in our lives especially when they live with diabetes and as a women you now know that you have a responsibility to take very good care of yourself to prevent and cope well with any challenge that comes your way. 

From Droobi to you, we are by your side … YOU CAN DO IT!

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