Diabetes is a condition in which blood glucose ( commonly called sugar) levels are persistently raised, which happens due deficiency of hormone Insulin which is secreted by pancreas in our body. Sometimes even though pancreas secretes Insulin but it is not recognized by the cells of the body leading to Insulin resistance so pancreas has to produce more and more Insulin till it ultimately fails. 

As the life stages of females progress so do the challenges faced by them relative to Diabetes, they are special and differ from males as they have been given some functions unique to them by nature .

As girls enter into the reproductive lifecycle with their first periods they often first come face to face with precursors of Diabetes without realizing them- PCOS ( Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) is a complex of symptoms which may include, thickening and darkening of skin specially at the back of neck, elbows, hands, excessive hair growth over face & chest, irregular periods and are overweight. 

 “I want to have a baby-is it safe?”

Diabetes and Pregnancy

High blood glucose levels during the time of conception and early pregnancy may cause malformations and congenital abnormalities in the new born babies. This may also cause abortions, premature births, high blood pressure and numerous other complications. Pregnancy should be planned in advanced in diabetic women and blood sugar strictly controlled at the time of conception and during pregnancy.

Gestational Diabetes

When diabetes is first detected during pregnancy it is called Gestational Diabetes. This results in large sized babies, complications after birth which may require admission and treatment of the newborn in ICU, caesarian operation, complicated delivery, abortions, High blood pressure in the mother and many other complications. Both the mother and child have very high risk of developing Diabetes during the future course of life and such mothers should be tested at regular intervals. 

Women are more likely to suffer from Diabetes complications than men, they are more likely to have uncontrolled Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, unfavourable lipids.

Uncontrolled Diabetes leads to complications like Heart Attack, Stroke, Kidney failure, Blindness, Burning, Pain or tingling in feet, Foot Amputation Heart Attack & Stroke which is more severe and lethal, women with diabetes are six times more likely to suffer from Heart diseases than those without Diabetes. 

Special issues in Women with Diabetes

Due Psycho Social issues women are less likely to be aggressively managed and diagnosed, generally they get to know about Diabetes only when some complications set in.

Vaginal yeast infections

Women with uncontrolled Diabetes tend to have vaginal infections which may cause discharge, pain and itching, they do not heal easily and need good control of blood Sugar and medications.

Women may have frequent Urinary tract infections as well causing burning and pain while passing urine or difficulty in holding urine.

Women are more likely to have Renal problems as compared to men which may be due to low Estrogen levels in Diabetic women.

Intimate life is adversely affected in women due to multiple causes, there is dryness and irritation which make the act less pleasurable and even painful. Delicate nerves may get damaged.

Diabetic women are more prone to suffer from Depression- As they have to take lots of  medicines and have various limitations, at the same time women with depression tend to have poor control over there Diabetes and more complications.

Myths about Diabetes

• Diabetes is caused by eating sweets- this just isn’t true
• If you start taking Medicines or Insulin you have to continue through out the life so better don’t start- Its only because Diabetes cannot be treated but only managed that you need to take medicines throught the life.
• Honey, Jaggery( Gur) & Brown Sugar ( Shakkar) don’t increase Blood Sugar levels- they have almost similar sugar content ad are not advisable
• Diabetics should not eat fruits

Tips about controlling Diabetes

• Go Green- Eat plenty of salads – raw uncooked vegetables before meals, 
• Eat plenty of Green vegetables and fruits
• Avoid Potatoes, Arvi, Foods rich in starches
• Avoid high glycemic Index foods like those made of Maida ( refined wheat flour)
• Avoid Saturated fats like Butter, Desi Ghee,
• Use Olive oil, Cannola oil or a mixture of Safflower and Mustard oils as these tend to be protective for heart.
• Use long grain rice like Basmati instead of round or short grain rice
• Increase the use of Whole grains as they delay absorption of the starches present in them.
• Avoid Smoking 
• Physical Activity
• Increase your physical activity, Exercise daily- It can be any exercise either outdoor or Indoor- walking is the easiest and accessible to all exercise for30-45mins daily,
• Start walking to the market or Metro / Bus station , Get from the couch and move around in the house, try climbing downstairs instead of taking the lift- All this increases our Bodys Insulin 
• Sensitivity and increases the effectiveness of the little Insulin that our Body is making.
• Even lovemaking is a good exercise as it burns calories and releases pleasure hormones which decrease stress and lower Blood Sugar

Testing in Diabetes

• Frequently Check your Blood Sugar and Stay in Control as moderately high Sugar levels do not cause any symptoms 
• There are some essential tests in Diabetes which should be done at regular intervals- HbA1C- this gives an average of 2-3 months of Blood Sugar level
• Micro Albumin- This urine test may be an early indicator of damage to the Kidneys.
• Lipid Profile, Liver & Kidney Function also needs regular monitoring
• Above all visit your Doctor regularly as Diabetes is a progressive disease, with time pancreas produce less and less insulin and constant changes in treatment may be required. 

Insulin – the Diabetics best friend, if doctor advises you to take Insulin please do not be afraid and it is the safest medicine for Diabetes if used judiciously.

So Stay in Control and lead a Health