Diabetes often strikes women differently due to a number of reasons, primary among them being the hormonal variations between men and women. Diabetes is one of the biggest lifestyle diseases we see today. In just 25 years, the global incidence of diabetes has doubled, according to the World Health Organization.
ONE SYMPTOM OF DIABETES IN WOMEN
While many signs and symptoms of diabetes are common in men and women, women experience certain unique symptoms. These are: Vaginal And Oral Infections; Overgrowth of a yeast called Candida albicans causes vaginal and oral yeast infections called “thrush.” High levels of glucose in the blood are favorable for the growth of this yeast. Vaginal infections are accompanied by symptoms like soreness, itching, vaginal discharge and pain during sex. When the infection is oral, a cottage cheese-like coating is seen on the tongue and the inside of the mouth.
Urinary Tract Infections; The risk of UTIs is higher in women with diabetes. UTIs occur when bacteria gain access to the urinary tract, where they colonize and cause infection. Signs and symptoms include painful urination, burning sensation while urination, fever and cloudy (sometimes bloody) urine. High blood glucose levels, poor circulation and the inability of immune cells to effectively fight bacteria are all causes of UTIs poor Sexual Health: High levels of blood sugar often cause a condition called diabetic neuropathy. This is a condition in which nerves lose their ability to effectively transmit signals between the organs and brain. This can lead to partial or complete loss of sensation in parts of the body including hands, legs and feet. As the vagina is an organ with a rich network of nerves making it one of the most sensitive organs of the female body. Neuropathy may significantly affect sensation in the vagina, leading to a lower sexual drive in women.
STEPHANIE ERDOO HEMEN
