Information of Women Diabetes

26 Jun

Today, almost 21 million children and adults in the US have diabetes — including 9.7 million women — and almost one third of them do not know it. Diabetes can be especially hard on women. The burden of diabetes on women is unique, because the disease can affect both mothers and their unborn children. Diabetes can cause difficulties during pregnancy such as a miscarriage or a baby born with birth defects.

The Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Women’s Health, the ADA, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, and 80 other organizations nationwide are planning a campaign that will focus on the early identification and control of diabetes. The campaign, scheduled for next year, will highlight the fact that about 8.1 million women in the United States have diabetes, and one-third of them don’t know it.

Women with diabetes, who have a heart attack, are twice as likely to have a second attack and four times more likely to have heart failure.Under the given circumstances, women who may already had a heart attack are advised to pay attention and immediately get help anytime onexperiencing symptoms of a heart trouble.

Diabetes also poses special challenges during pregnancy. Compared with women who don’t have diabetes, women with diabetes are up to five times more likely to develop toxemia, a disorder marked by hypertension, protein in the urine, swelling, headache, and visual disturbances. Diabetes during pregnancy (gestational and type 1 diabetes) results in an increased risk for problems such as high birth weight, birth defects, and other complications for the mother.

Women and Diabetic Complications

The risk for cardiovascular disease, the most common complication attributable to diabetes, is more serious among women than men. Deaths from heart disease in women with diabetes have increased 23 percent over the past 30 years, compared to a 27 percent decrease in women without diabetes.

ADA’s Women and Diabetes Workgroup

Because of the significant impact diabetes has on women, the American Diabetes Association created the Women and Diabetes Workgroup. Its mission is to represent, involve, and affect all women in our efforts to prevent and cure diabetes and improve the lives of people affected by this disease.

Baby Watch

Are you thinking about having a baby? Start working with your health care team before you get pregnant. Have your A-1-C, blood pressure, heart, kidneys, nerves, and eyes checked. See your dietitian to review your meal plan. Talk with your health care team about how being pregnant will affect your long term health.

The Menstrual Cycle And Diabetes

Fluctuations in hormone levels occur through the menstrual cycle and these fluctuations can affect blood sugar control. When estrogen levels are naturally high, your body may be resistant to its own insulin or injected insulin. Many women find their blood sugar tends to be high 3-5 days before, during or after their periods.