What You Need To Know About Diabetes And Your Risks

Diabetes is a health condition that affects how your body uses food for energy, and women face unique risks when it comes to diabetes.Typically, your body breaks down most of the food you eat into glucose, which enters your bloodstream. This signals your pancreas to release insulin, allowing the sugar to enter your cells to be used for energy. But with diabetes, your body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use it effectively, elevating your blood sugar levels. Over time, this can cause severe health concerns, especially for women.

Diabetes is a chronic condition affecting over 422 million people worldwide. There are three main types of diabetes:

Type 1 Diabetes: This is an autoimmune condition where the body attacks the cells in the pancreas responsible for insulin production. Most people will receive a diagnosis as a child or young adult but it can happen at any age. With Type 1, insulin therapy is essential for managing blood sugar. 

Type 2 Diabetes: The most common type, where your body doesn’t use insulin well or can’t make enough of it. It’s often linked to lifestyle factors like being overweight or inactive, but generic factors also play a role.

Gestational Diabetes: This occurs during pregnancy in women who didn’t previously have diabetes. While gestational diabetes usually disappears after giving birth, it increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later on.

Here’s what you should know and consider when it comes to diabetes and your health:

Hormonal fluctuations can complicate blood sugar control. Hormones such as estrogen and progesterone can impact how your body processes insulin. Menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopause can all contribute to fluctuations in blood sugar levels, making diabetes management trickier for women.

If you had gestational diabetes during pregnancy, you’re more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes later in life. Approximately 50% of women with gestational diabetes will have Type 2 diabetes. It’s important to stay on top of your health post-pregnancy with regular check-ups and lifestyle adjustments. 

Heart disease is already a top concern for women, and diabetes significantly increases that risk. In fact, women with diabetes are more likely to develop heart disease compared to men with diabetes.

Women with PCOS are at a higher risk of developing insulin resistance, which can lead to Type 2 diabetes. If you have PCOS, monitoring your blood sugar levels is vital, even if you don’t currently have diabetes.

While more men have diabetes than women, women are at a much greater risk of experiencing serious complications due to higher levels of obesity and stress. Research shows that women are more likely to experience diabetes-related complications, such as kidney disease, depression and blindness. Being proactive with blood sugar management is key to reducing these risks. 

There’s no surefire way to prevent diabetes, but making small lifestyle changes can help you drastically reduce your risk or manage the condition better if you’ve already received a diagnosis.

Stay active: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, like brisk walking or swimming, five days a week. Exercise helps lower blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity. Exercise can also prevent complications from diabetes, such as poor circulation, by increasing blood flow to your arteries.

Eat a nourishing diet: Focus on a diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats. Fiber is especially important because it helps slow the absorption of sugar in the bloodstream.

Maintain a healthy weight: Even a small amount of weight loss can help reduce your risk of Type 2 diabetes.

Monitor your blood sugar: If you’re at a higher risk — due to your family history or PCOS — regular blood sugar monitoring can help catch diabetes early.

Manage stress: Chronic stress can increase blood sugar levels. Incorporating relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation or deep breathing can support your mental health and diabetes management.

Advocate for yourself: If you notice signs or have concerns about your family history, don’t hesitate to advocate for yourself. Speak to your doctor, ask for screenings and take charge to ensure early detection and proper care.

Diabetes is a serious condition that requires your attention, but the good news is that with the right lifestyle changes and regular check-ups, you can significantly reduce your risk. Taking care of your health now can help you avoid complications later down the road.