Women in the age group of 35 years to 49 years are more prone to risk of getting Diabetes. As per numerous studies, one or more women in ten are affected by diabetes in the above age group.
High Blood Sugar level & Insulin
Women suffering from diabetes have high blood sugar level. Their pancreas will not be able to produce enough insulin neither their body would be able to effectively use the insulin produced.
Diabetes Affect Women differently
Women having diabetes tend to have
• Increased risk of blindness • Greater risk of depression • Poorer quality of life and lower survival after heart attack • Higher risk of heart disease
Types of Diabetes
There are majorly three types-Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes and gestation. This is both chronic and metabolic disease.
Type 1 Diabetes
At any age, one can be affected by Type 1 Diabetes, mostly children and adolescents are affected. When this happens, the body will produce less or no insulin. Hence daily insulin injections need to be taken to maintain normal blood sugar levels.
Type 2 Diabetes
This is most common among adults and nearing to 90% of Diabetes cases are Type 2 Diabetes. Here, the body would not be able to make good use of the insulin produced by it. In the long run, women affected by Type 2 Diabetes would require either to intake oral drug or administer insulin injection to maintain normal blood sugar levels.
Gestational Diabetes
Women suffering from Gestational Diabetes would have high blood glucose level during pregnancy and complication may arise to mother and child. After Pregnancy, most women return to normal but there exist higher chance of getting affected by type 2 diabetes, once you tend to grow older.
Signs and symptoms of type1 and Type 2 diabetes
• Blurry vision • Dry,itchy skin • Feeling hungrier frequently • Losing weight without effort • Pass urine more often than usual • Tingling in hands or feet • Extreme thirst • Feeling tired than usual
Chronic complications of Diabetes
• Diabetes Kidney disease - Diabetes eye disease • Diabetes Cardiovascular disease - Vascular and/ or nerve damage • Diabetes and oral health - Diabetes foot complications • Complications of pregnancy
Best Foods to Control Diabetes
• Fatty fish - Greek Yoghurt or unsweetened yoghurt • Leafy Greens & Fresh vegetables - White meat, poultry and sea food • Eggs - Unsaturated fats • Walnuts - Citrus fruits& Berries
Is it safe to get pregnant if you are diabetic?
Yes, it is safe to get pregnant but you need to plan ahead and talk to your doctor to better understand your diabetes and how to control it during pregnancy.
Three simple ways to protect yourself from Diabetes
• Weight Management • Eat Healthy • Move your Body