Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body uses glucose, a type of sugar that is the main source of energy for the cells. Glucose levels are regulated by a hormone called insulin, which is produced by the pancreas. When the pancreas does not make enough insulin or the body does not respond well to insulin, glucose builds up in the blood and causes various health problems.
Diabetes has different forms, such as type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the immune system mistakenly destroys the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. In type 2 diabetes, the body either does not make enough insulin or does not use it well. Gestational diabetes happens only during pregnancy and usually disappears after the baby is born.
Diabetes can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, sex or gender. However, some symptoms and complications of diabetes are more common or more serious in women than in men. In this article, we will discuss 10 symptoms of diabetes for women that you should not ignore.
1. Frequent urination
One of the most common symptoms of diabetes is frequent urination, especially at night. This happens because excess glucose in the blood makes the kidneys work harder to filter and remove it. As a result, the kidneys produce more urine and you may feel the need to go to the bathroom more often.
Frequent urination can also increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), which are more common in women with diabetes than in men. UTIs can cause burning or pain when urinating, cloudy or bloody urine, fever and pelvic discomfort.