For women over 40, knowing the signs of diabetes is critical, especially if you’re at risk.
If you are diabetic, or pre-diabetic, it is so important to learn as much as you can about the disease so that you can take as many precautionary measures as possible. As a woman, you should know that there are two types of diabetes, and what the first signs of diabetes in women are. Armed with the right information, you may be able to apprehend the ravages of diabetes.
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Diabetes Symptoms in Women
Diabetes occurs when the body has difficulty processing glucose. Glucose is a a type of sugar that is used by the body as a form of energy, to assist in operating bodily functions. Proper glucose levels are needed to maintain healthy cellular process, and muscle and brain functions. Without proper glucose support, the body begins to breakdown and adverse effects begin to develop.
There are two types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes usually occurs in childhood, and in individuals under the age of forty. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body cannot produce insulin. Type 1 diabetes is considered an autoimmune disorder because the immune system prevents the pancreas from producing insulin. The good news is that insulin can be administered to the body, and along with a healthy lifestyle, the disease can be managed.
Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms
The risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases with age, especially after age 45. The disease develops because the body is insulin resistant, resulting in not being able to maintain the healthy insulin level that is needed to sustain normal blood glucose levels.
Some of the factors that increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes are: genetics, excess weight, high blood pressure and living an unhealthy lifestyle. Women with diabetes are at a greater risk of developing heart disease, depression and blindness. Type 2 diabetes symptoms in women include:
- Fatigue
- Tender gums
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Tingling in the hands and feet
- Slow healing of cuts and bruises
- Blurred vision
- Sudden weight gain or loss
The First Signs of Diabetes in Women
Some of the first signs of diabetes in women are unique to their gender and include:
- Vaginal and oral yeast infections and thrush, that may produce: vaginal discharge, itching, and soreness.
- Painful sex, and sexual dysfunction.
- Fungal over-growth in the mouth
- Urinary tract infections
- Bloody and cloudy urine
- Painful urination and burning sensations
- Kidney infection
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Depression
Diabetes Symptoms in Women
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that more than 30 million Americans are living with type 2 diabetes, with approximately 7.2 million Americans are not aware that they have the disease. The number of Americans living with prediabetes and not aware of it are about 11.6 million.
Because diabetes can lead to life threatening complications like heart disease, and blindness, it is important that your physician regularly check your blood sugar levels. Diabetes can be managed with medication and living a healthy lifestyle. To increase your chances of living a happy, healthy life, stay aware of the first signs of diabetes in women so that you can catch the disease early or prevent it altogether.
Find out more about diabetes symptoms in women and what to do if you are experiencing any at www.BetterHealthKare.com