Diabetes Symptoms in Women and the Necessary Treatments

Understanding the symptoms of diabetes in women is crucial for early detection and proactive management. Women, particularly those aged over 45 and those with excess weight, face a heightened risk of diabetes.

If you belong to either of these risk groups, it's essential to read this article in its entirety. 

Symptoms of Diabetes in Women 

While diabetes symptoms are generally consistent across genders, women may exhibit certain unique characteristics. Here's a comprehensive list:

1. Fungal infection

Elevated blood sugar levels can lead to excessive fungal growth, particularly Candida, causing infections in the vagina or mouth. Oral fungal infections often manifest with canker sores and white coating on the tongue or inside the mouth.

Symptoms of vaginal fungal infections include; 

• Itching,
• Unusual discharge,
• Vaginal pain, and
• Discomfort during intercourse.

2. Urinary tract infection(UTI)

Women with diabetes are almost 4 times more likely to experience UTIs compared to those without diabetes. UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract, a risk exacerbated by high blood sugar levels compromising the body's immune response.

Symptoms may include painful urination and cloudy or bloody urine. 

3. Vaginal dryness

High blood sugar levels can reduce vaginal moisture, leading to dryness and discomfort, which may cause pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia). 

Read more: Gestational Diabetes: A Holistic Approach to Understanding and Managing 

4. Menstrual cycle irregularities

Diabetes can affect the menstrual cycle, potentially prolonging its duration, particularly in type 1 diabetes. According to some research, the duration of menstruation in women with type 1 diabetes can be extended by five days longer than usual. 

5. Decreased libido

Both men and women with diabetes may experience reduced sexual desire, often attributed to factors such as energy levels, hormonal fluctuations, stress, anxiety, and depression. 

6. Association with PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is commonly linked to insulin resistance, with each condition influencing the other. Insulin resistance is a condition where the body does not respond to the insulin hormone and triggers blood sugar levels to increase.

Symptoms of PCOS include;  

• Irregular menstrual cycles,  
• Excessive body hair, and  
• Enlarged ovaries.

Diabetes Increased Endometrial Cancer Risk 

Women with diabetes, including both type 1 and type 2, face an elevated risk of developing uterine cancer due to poor blood sugar control. Obesity further compounds this risk. 

Symptoms of uterine cancer may include;  

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding,  
• Pelvic pain or cramping, and  
• Unusual vaginal discharge.

Read more: Early Menopause: Causes, Symptoms, and How to Prevent It 

Common Diabetes Characteristics  

Additionally, both men and women may experience these general symptoms of diabetes: 

• Increased hunger and thirst,
• Unexplained weight loss,
• Frequent urination,
• Fatigue or weakness,
• Slow wound healing,
• Dry, itchy skin,
• Darkened skin patches, especially in skin folds,
• Numbness or tingling in the extremities,
• Vision changes, and
• Susceptibility to infections due to weakened immune function.

Read more: Prediabetes: Symptoms, Causes, and Best Ways to Treat It  

What to Do Next? 

If you identify with any of the aforementioned symptoms, it's imperative to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation, including blood sugar testing. Tests may include: 

• HbA1c test for average blood sugar levels over the past few months
• Random blood sugar test
• Fasting blood sugar test
• Glucose tolerance test
• Postprandial glucose test

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If diagnosed with diabetes, treatment will likely involve lifestyle modifications alongside any prescribed medications. Lifestyle changes include 

• Adopting a balanced diet rich in fiber,  
• Regular physical activity,  
• Weight management, and  
• Diligent blood sugar monitoring

Research indicates that effective management can help control blood sugar levels and mitigate the risk of future complications associated with diabetes. 

References:

Endocrine (2024), Gonadal Dysfunction In Women With Diabetes Mellitus.

Cureus (2023), Self-care Practices And Their Role In The Control Of Diabetes: A Narrative Review.

International Journal Of Environmental Research And Public Health (2023), Type 1 Diabetes And The Menstrual Cycle: Where/How Does Exercise Fit In?

PLOS One (2023), Prevalence Of Urinary Tract Infections And Risk Factors Among Diabetic Patients In Ethiopia, A Systematic Review And Meta-analysis.

Sexuality And Disability (2023), Female Sexual Dysfunction In Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Jurnal Ekonomi Kesehatan Indonesia (2022), The Analysis Of Diabetes Self-management Implementation On Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients: A Protocol For Systematic Review And Meta-analysis.

World Journal Of Diabetes (2022), Polycystic Ovary Syndrome And Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A State-of-the-art Review.

Cancers (2020), The Role Of Hyperglycemia In Endometrial Cancer Pathogenesis.

Healthline (2024), How Diabetes Affects Women.

Cleveland Clinic (2023), Uterine Cancer (Endometrial Cancer).

Healthline (2023), Type 2 Diabetes And Sexual Health.

Mayo Clinic (2023), Type 2 Diabetes.

Verywell Health (2023), 5 Things Women Need To Know About Diabetes And Their Period.

Mayo Clinic (2022), Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

Verywell Health (2022), Signs Of Type 2 Diabetes In Women.

Sumber: prodiadigital.com