Unique symptoms only diabetic women have and how to handle them

Even though diabetes has mostly the same common symptoms for everyone, the ailment has some unique ones just for women. The classic signs are high blood sugar levels, frequent urination, and cloudy urine. However, women who are diabetic display much more.

According to doctors, women with uncontrolled high diabetes suffer from frequent fungal and urinary tract infections.

How diabetes affects women?  

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The urinary system includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra, with most infections involving the lower urinary tract mainly the bladder and the urethra. Women are at greater risk of developing a UTI than men. And if you are diabetic, the frequency increases to almost double, with the serious and untreated infection spreading to the kidneys.

Also, women have three to four times more risk of getting heart problems as compared to two to three times in men if they have diabetes. Additionally, women with high blood sugar levels may also experience menstrual irregularities, infertility issues, and sexual dysfunction, including decreased libido and vaginal dryness.

Let us understand the symptoms to help you identify diabetes and get treatment for it well in time

Candida infections High blood sugar levels can trigger the uncontrollable growth of fungus. An overgrowth of yeast caused by the Candida fungus can cause vaginal or oral yeast infections, known as thrush. Symptoms of candida include:

Vaginal itching

Vaginal discharge

Painful sex

Soreness

To prevent vaginal infections, doctors advise getting the sugar under control. It is best to follow an anti-diabetes diet by avoiding foods that encourage yeast growth like

White rice and flour

Foods or drinks fermented with yeast

Foods made with simple sugars

Urinary tract infections or UTIs Urinary Tract Infections or UTIs develop when bacteria enter the urinary tract and women with diabetes have a higher risk of the ailment. UTIs are common in this group mainly because hyperglycemia compromises the immune system, causing symptoms like:

Extremely painful urination

Burning sensation

Cloudy urine

Apart from controlling blood sugar levels, it is advised to prevent UTIs by

Drinking plenty of liquids, especially water

Drink cranberry juice as it prevents UTIs

Wipe yourself from front to back after urinating and after a bowel movement as it helps prevent the spread of bacteria from the anus to the vagina and urethra

Empty your bladder soon after having sex

Vaginal dryness Vaginal dryness is also caused due to high blood sugar levels in women, as diabetic neuropathy leads to loss of sensation in the vaginal area. The damage triggers nerve numbness in different parts of the body.

Natural oils like grape seed, olive, vegetable, sunflower, or coconut oils may be a safe home remedy for vaginal dryness.

Pregnancy Even though men are more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes at a typically younger age than women, women get affected more due to hormonal changes.

After pregnancy, blood glucose levels may shoot up putting women at greater risk for developing diabetes.

Diabetes risk factors for women According to doctors, as a woman, you are at high risk for developing diabetes if you:

Are more than 40 years old

Are obese and overweight

Have diabetes in the family

Have had gestational diabetes

Suffer from high blood pressure

Have high cholesterol

Have polycystic ovary syndrome

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.