Four symptoms of diabetes that only women can present: a detailed exploration of these indicators specific to women.
Tl;dr
- Diabetes, often silent, presents specific signs in women.
- Polydipsia, PCOS, frequent urinary tract infections, and irregular periods can signal diabetes.
- Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for prompt medical treatment.
Diabetes has become an insidious disease, often nicknamed the “silent killer.” Characterized by an absence of notable symptoms, particularly in the early stages, it is however revealed by certain distinctive signs in women.
A disease with many faces
Nearly 70 million people, half of whom are women, out of a population of 1.21 billion, have diabetes. A study titled “Impact of Gender on Type 2 Diabetes Care” predicts that this number could grow to 101 million by 2030.
Symptoms in women are often overlooked or misdiagnosed. However, their recognition can make the difference between rapid medical intervention and no care.
Warning signs of diabetes in women
Polydipsiaexcessive thirst, is one of the first signs of diabetes. This symptom, linked to a frequent urge to urinate (polyuria), can become more pronounced during pregnancy or menstruation, due to hormonal fluctuations.
Women may notice that they need to go to the bathroom more often, especially at night. This is due to excess sugar in the blood causing the kidneys to work harder to filter out the extra glucose, leading to dehydration.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome and insulin resistance
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. PCOS, a hormonal condition, makes the body less able to use insulin properly, leading to insulin resistance , precursor of diabetes.
Frequent urinary infections
Recurrent UTIs can be an often overlooked sign of diabetes in women. Increased blood sugar levels create an environment for bacteria to thrive, leading to repeated infections.
Heavy or irregular periods
Diabetes can disrupt the menstrual cycle, making periods heavier or irregular. This disruption could signal underlying insulin resistance or diabetes, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms like fatigue or weight changes.
It is therefore essential to remain alert to these symptoms and consult a specialist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
