You probably hear a lot about the dangers of diabetes and the close connection between your lifestyle and this health problem. What do we really know about diabetes?
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a metabolic disease that maintains high blood sugar levels. The body normally uses glucose for energy. It converts sugar from the food you eat using the insulin hormone produced by the pancreas. However, for one reason or another, the regulation of blood sugar levels may experience a disturbance that can be dangerous for human health.
This health problem occurs if the synthesis of insulin hormone is reduced (type 1 diabetes), or if your cells lose the ability to effectively use blood glucose (type 2 diabetes).
Type 1 is usually a consequence of an autoimmune disorder, in which your immune system attacks your own pancreatic cells that normally produce insulin. This disorder usually manifests at a young age, so it is also called juvenile diabetes.
Although type 2 diabetes can develop at any age, it occurs mostly after the age of 45. In most cases, this type of diabetes progresses slowly. It is not uncommon for it to produce no symptoms, especially in the early stages.
What are the causes of diabetes?
Experts say that the underlying causes of diabetes are not just genes. Poor nutrition, overweight, unhealthy hypertension, and a sedentary lifestyle increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. You probably know the most common symptoms of diabetes, such as high thirst, frequent urination , unexplained fatigue, blurred vision, itchy skin and unexplained weight loss. These warning signs are common in men and women, but have you ever heard of women-specific symptoms? Let's discover them!
4 symptoms of diabetes in women
1. Yeast infection
Secretion of a substance in your intimate parts with pain and itching in the genitals caused by Candida overgrowth may indicate that your blood sugar level is too high. Have you noticed painful white patches in your mouth that occur in conjunction with problematic swallowing? A doctor can diagnose oral thrush in this case. Know that the problem is often associated with the development of type 2 diabetes.
2. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
This is not just the most common cause of infertility. The high production of male hormones, androgens, in women leads to irregular menstrual periods, weight gain, excessive hair growth on the body and acne. In addition to this, excess androgens cause insulin resistance, which has been found to be the main cause of type 2 diabetes.
3. Urinary infection
In general, women are more likely to have an infection of the urethra, kidneys, bladder and ureters. The risks are increased in people with diabetes. The reason is that glucose levels are high in both blood and urine, which is fertile ground for bacteria. The urinary tract infection is manifested mainly by frequent painful urination, burning, and cloudy or bloody urine.
4.Impotence dysfunction
Decreased libido, feminine parts dryness and problems with sensual desire can be the result of nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy). This embarrassing intimate question usually leads women to consult gynecologists and health specialists.
Symptoms of diabetes in women and men
- Hungry or excessive thirst (dry mouth)
- Tired
- Frequent urination
- Cuts and wounds that heal slowly
- Recurrent thoracic / urinary infections
- Unexplained weight loss
- Blurred vision
- Headache
- Feeling reduced in the hands and feet
- Recurrent skin infection
Do not ignore these warning signs of diabetes, as this metabolic disease can lead to life-threatening conditions such as stroke, heart failure, kidney failure, and blindness. Consult your doctor if you think your blood sugar level has increased.
Prevent diabetes
Make changes to your diet and lifestyle. Diet plays an important role in the fight against diabetes. Lower your carbohydrate intake (bread, pasta, rice). Make sure that at least half of your meal comes from vegetables. Eat a lot of fruits every day, and have good quality fats (butter from grass fed animals, avocados). Go for a brisk walk or jog every day for at least 30 to 45 minutes.