How does diabetes affect women?

Diabetes is a chronic disease that impairs blood sugar regulation in the body. Both men and women can develop diabetes, but some symptoms are more likely to affect women.
Many of the risks of diabetes affect both sexes, but there are some differences.
diabetes
Around one in nine adult women in the United States has diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
one in nine adult women
This article looks at how diabetes can affect women, who is at risk, the signs and symptoms to look out for, and when to ask for testing.
Effects of diabetes in women
Many of the symptoms of diabetes are common to both men and women, but some features are specific to women.
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Women with diabetes may be more likely to experience a yeast infection, or thrush, in the mouth and vagina.
High levels of blood sugar create an ideal breeding ground for the Candida fungus that causes the condition.
Symptoms include:
sore skin
vaginal discharge
itchy sensations
dyspareunia, or painful sex
dyspareunia
a white coating on the tongue, if the fungus infects the mouth
People with diabetes are more likely to develop different kinds of infections, with more severe symptoms and a higher chance of complications than people without diabetes.
more likely
High blood sugar levels in the body affect the immune system’s ability to respond to pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
High blood sugar levels
Women with diabetes have a higher risk of a urinary tract infection (UTI). In a 2015 review, 12.9 percent of women studied developed a UTI within the first year of receiving a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Only 3.9 percent of men experienced one.
urinary tract infection
12.9 percent of women
type 2 diabetes
Symptoms of a UTI include:
painful, burning urination
cloudy urine
blood in the urine
Anyone with diabetes who has a UTI should seek treatment as soon as possible to prevent further complications, such as a kidney infection.
kidney infection
A higher risk of a UTI or candidiasis can contribute to a lower sex drive, or libido. Other factors can also affect this.
candidiasis
Many people with diabetes develop diabetic neuropathy. This happens when high glucose levels in the blood result in damage to the body’s nerve fibers.
diabetic neuropathy
The impact of this varies widely. It includes reduced sensations in the hands, feet, and legs and altered sexual experiences in the vagina.
There may also be:
may also be
low lubrication of the vagina
difficulty with arousal of the clitoris and having an orgasm
pain during sex
anxiety
anxiety
All these can affect a person’s interest or pleasure in sex.
There is a higher chance of having PCOS if a person has diabetes. In PCOS, a hormonal imbalance means the ovaries are unable to release eggs properly. This can affect fertility.
PCOS is not a symptom of diabetes, but a woman with diabetes is more likely to have it than one who does not have diabetes.
Genetic factors may play a role, but there may also be a link between PCOS and insulin production, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA).
insulin
American Diabetes Association (ADA)
Symptoms include:
include
irregularity in the menstrual cycle
acne
acne
depression
depression
fertility problems
increased body weight
body weight
skin changes
If a person receives a diagnosis of PCOS, they should also ask their doctor about screening for diabetes.
Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes is a temporary condition that affects some women during pregnancy.
Gestational diabetes often resolves after delivery, but a person who experiences it may have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Other problems that can arise include:
problems
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labor difficulties
the need for a cesarian delivery
a risk of tearing in the vagina or between the anus and the vagina
heavy bleeding after delivery
The baby may be born with:
breathing problems
low blood sugar
jaundice
jaundice
There may be no symptoms during pregnancy, so testing is important, especially for those who may be at risk.
If getational diabetes is present, it is important to follow the doctor’s instuctions about diet, exercise, and tracking blood sugar levels.

Gestational diabetes is more likely if a person:
is overweight before becoming pregnant
has prediabetes, when blood sugar levels are high but not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes
prediabetes
has a family history of diabetes
has previously had gestational diabetes
has delivered an infant larger than 9 pounds in the past
has PCOS
has an African American, Asian American, Hispanic, Native American, or Pacific Island background
When a person has had gestational diabetes during pregnancy, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) recommend the following steps after delivery:
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
screening for type 2 diabetes 6–12 weeks after delivery and every 3 years after that
getting back to a healthy weight through regular exercise and a healthful diet
breastfeeding the baby, if posssible, to give them the right balance of nutrients and to help you burn calories
calories
check with a physician about using metformin, a medication, to help prevent type 2 diabetes
What are the early signs of type 2 diabetes? Click here to find out more.
Click here to find out more
Pregnancy and the menopause
Diabetes can impact on two major aspects of female sexual and reproductive health.
Women who have diabetes before pregnancy need to take certain steps to ensure a safe pregnancy.
Blood sugar levels: If possible, keeping blood sugar levels under control before pregnancy is vital. High blood sugar levels can harm the fetus and may result in congenital anomalies.
This is especially true early in pregnancy, when a person might not yet know they are pregnant.
Medication: The person may need to change their use of medication during pregnancy.
Diet and lifestyle factors: Diabetes can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy, so a person should work closely with their healthcare team to establish:
a safe diet
an exercise plan
a schedule for testing blood sugar at home
the need for other tests and monitoring
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Menopause and the years leading up to it involve a variety of changes that can trigger diabetes or make it worse.
Menopause
Hormonal changes alter how cells respond to insulin. Blood sugar levels might become less predictable and require more frequent monitoring.
Menopause leads to a drop in estrogen levels as the ovaries stop producing eggs. A person may be more prone to UTIs and vaginal infections at this time if they have diabetes.
estrogen
Many women experience weight gain during menopause. Women with diabetes may need to change their insulin doses or oral diabetes medications to adapt to these changes.
A study published in 2018 concluded that women with type 2 diabetes who experience hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause may benefit from hormone therapy.
study
However, the authors note that treatment will depend on the individual.
Symptoms of diabetes
The most common signs and symptoms of high blood sugar levels include:
increased thirst
frequent urination
frequent urination
extreme tiredness
tiredness
increased hunger
unexplained weight loss, even when increasing food intake
lack of energy
blurred vision
frequent or recurring infections, such as an infection of the gum, skin, or vagina
cuts and bruises that are slow to heal
sexual difficulties
People who have any of these symptoms should see a doctor, as early diagnosis can help prevent complications.
Type 1 diabetes is most likely to develop during childhood or adolescence, and the risk of having type 2 diabetes increases after the age of 45 years. However, it is possible for either type to affect a person at any age.
Type 1 diabetes
There has been an increase in the onset of type 2 diabetes in younger people in recent years. Studies show that these people are more likely to develop complications faster and at a younger age, compared with people with type 1 diabetes and those who develop type 2 at a later stage.
Studies
Effective blood sugar management and healthful lifestyle habits can help reduce the risk of complications for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes at any age.
Complications
The blood flows to all parts of the body, and high blood sugar can cause damage in many areas for both men and women.
Diseases of the heart and blood vessels are key complications of diabetes. Over time, high blood sugar levels cause damage to blood vessels and nerves.
High blood sugar levels lead to inflammation in the blood vessels. The blood vessels stiffen, and the blood does not flow through them as well as before.
inflammation
Low blood flow can lead to a range of problems, including:
heart disease
heart disease
stroke
stroke
kidney disease
eye disease
dental disease
Nerve damage can lead to many complications, including problems in the extremities.
In severe cases, these can lead to complications that can make an amputation necessary.
amputation
A person with diabetes also has an increased risk of other mental and physical health issues, including a loss of mobility and depression.
Learn more here about the symptoms and complications of diabetes.
Learn more here about
Risk factors for women
Many risk factors for diabetes are the same for men and women, but some are different.
A study of data for nearly 100,000 men and women found, for example, that men tend to have a lower body mass index than women when they develop type 2. The results were published in 2011.
study
The CDC list the following as risk factors for women to develop type 2 diabetes:
risk factors
a history gestational diabetes during a past pregnancy
giving birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds (lb)
having a history of PCOS
having a family history of diabetes
having high blood pressure or 140/90 mmhg or above
high blood pressure
having high cholesterol or 240 mg/dL or above
cholesterol
getting less than 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity, such as walking, a week
having an African American, American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian American, Hispanic or Latino, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Island background
Anyone with these risk factors should ask their doctor about screening for diabetes.
Outlook
Diabetes can affect both men and women, but women can have some specific symptoms.
Current guidelines from the American Diabetes Association recommend regular screening for diabetes from the age of 45 years, or earlier if a person has other risk factors. Women should ask about screening if they have PCOS or if they are or plan to become pregnant.
age of 45 years
Women should talk to their healthcare team about any special requirements if they have a diagnosis of PCOS, before and during pregnancy, and around the time of menopause.
Is diabetes treatment any different for women?

The only difference is that women of childbearing age need to consider the side effects of any treatment that could have an effect on a developing fetus.
Suzanne Falck, MD, FACP Answers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.