The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report 23.1 million people are living with diabetes. To help you understand this disease and identify the symptoms, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions.
What are glucose and insulin?
Glucose is a type of sugar that your body converts to energy. Insulin is the hormone produced in the pancreas that coverts the glucose to energy.
How do glucose and insulin play a role in diabetes?
Diabetes, or hyperglycemia, results when your blood sugar (blood glucose) levels are higher than normal levels. It either means there is not enough insulin to move the sugar into the cells, or the cells don’t respond to insulin properly.
What are diabetes symptoms?
- Excessive hunger or thirst
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Recurring skin infections
- Slowly healing cuts/wounds
- Fatigue
- Frequent urination
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of nerve sensation, especially in limbs (also called neuropathy)
Women specifically can experience vaginal and oral infections, urinary tract infections, and neuropathy in varying places, including the vagina.
What are the risk factors for women?
Women over age 45 who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of developing diabetes. Other risk factors include:
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
- Gestational diabetes while pregnant
- Giving birth to a baby nine pounds or larger
- Family history of diabetes
- High blood pressure or cholesterol
- History of heart disease or stroke
- Sedentary lifestyle
Can diabetes be prevented?
Your chances of developing diabetes will be lower if you:
- Keep an eye on your weight
- Include lots of fruit and veggies in your diet, as well as good quality fats
- Reduce carbohydrate intake
- Incorporate physical activity into your everyday routine
- Avoid smoking
- Have an annual blood glucose screening (adults over 45, those who are overweight or obese, or those with any of the risk factors listed above)
If you have diabetes and are planning to get pregnant or if you have questions about your overall health, please contact your Capital Women’s Care provider.
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