Did you know women are more likely to face diabetes complications than men? The risk of heart complications and other health conditions is also found to be higher in ladies. So why not understand its early signs so that you can reverse it naturally? We spoke to Dr Kush Ohri, Senior Consultant Internal Medicine, Metro Hospitals and Heart Institute, Noida Sector-11, Uttar Pradesh, who listed early signs of diabetes in women and tips to reverse the risk of diabetes.
Early Signs of Diabetes in Women
Frequent Urination
Dr Ohri said, “Women with early-stage diabetes may experience increased frequency of urination due to excess glucose in the bloodstream and the possible presence of glucose in the urine. This may lead to an increased propensity of UTI(Urinary Tract Infection) and vaginal infections.”
According to a study published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research, it was found that 36.9% of women with diabetes who had a heart attack passed away within a year. In contrast, only 20.2% of women without diabetes faced the same outcome. Also, women have a higher chance of losing their eyesight due to diabetic retinopathy compared to men.
Excessive Thirst
Constant and unquenchable thirst, medically known as polydipsia, can arise as your body tries to flush out the excess sugar through urine. The more you urinate, the more fluids you lose, resulting in an increased sensation of thirst.
Also Read: Avoid Diabetes Complications: Expert Lists Lifestyle Tips You Should Follow
Fatigue and Weakness
Another sign of early diabetes in women is fatigue and weakness. Dr Ohri added, “Diabetes can cause blood sugar levels to fluctuate, resulting in energy crashes. These fluctuations can lead to feelings of fatigue, weakness, and reduced stamina.”
Increased Hunger
Despite eating, you might find yourself experiencing sudden or heightened hunger. Dr. Ohri said, “This occurs because the body's cells are not receiving enough glucose for energy due to insulin resistance or impaired insulin production. This can lead to persistent feelings of hunger even after consuming a meal.”
Unexplained Weight Loss or Gain
Dr Ohri informed, “Unexpected weight changes can be an early warning sign of diabetes. Uncontrolled diabetes can cause your body to break down muscle and fat for energy, leading to weight loss. Conversely, insulin resistance can trigger weight gain, especially around the abdominal area.”
Blurred Vision
Elevated blood sugar levels can impact the lenses in your eyes, leading to changes in your vision. Blurry vision or difficulty focusing can be attributed to this effect of diabetes. If left unmanaged, diabetes-related vision problems can escalate and potentially cause more serious complications.
Slow Wound Healing
Have you wondered why it takes longer for your wounds to heal? It may be a sign of diabetes, as this health condition can hinder the body's natural healing process. High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels, reducing blood flow to wounds and making cuts, bruises, or infections heal more slowly.
Recurring Infections
Dr Ohri said, “Uncontrolled diabetes can weaken the immune system, making women more susceptible to infections. Frequent urinary tract infections, yeast infections, and vaginal infections can be early signs of diabetes. Excess glucose in bodily fluids creates an environment conducive to the growth of bacteria and yeast, leading to recurrent infections.”
How to Reverse Diabetes Naturally
Balanced Diet
One of the first things you should start is maintaining a balanced diet. Follow a diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Also, limit your intake of processed foods and items high in sugar.
Regular Exercise
Keeping yourself physically active is essential to keep diabetes at bay. Hence, engage in regular physical activity, such as brisk walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming. Exercise helps your cells utilise glucose more effectively, leading to improved insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels.
Weight Management
Dr Ohri said, “Maintaining a healthy weight or working toward achieving it through a combination of a nutritious diet and consistent exercise can positively impact insulin sensitivity and blood sugar regulation.”
Portion Control
Practising portion control and mindful eating can prevent large fluctuations in blood sugar levels after meals. It's essential to distribute your carbohydrate intake evenly throughout the day.
Hydration
Stay adequately hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day to support overall health and glucose regulation.
Also Read: Planning Pregnancy With Diabetes? Expert Lists Tips You Should Follow
Stress Management
Insulin resistance and high blood sugar levels can both be caused by ongoing stress. Therefore, adopt stress management techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or engaging in activities that help reduce stress levels.
Get Sufficient Sleep
Do not ignore the importance of good sleep, especially if you want to escape from diabetes. Sleep deprivation can impact blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity. Hence, prioritise sleeping for 7-9 hours.
Monitor Blood Sugar Levels
Along with all the tips mentioned above, it is essential to regularly monitor your blood sugar levels. Dr Ohri suggested working closely with a healthcare professional to track progress and make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information shared by a registered healthcare professional and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult with your expert for a diagnosis and treatment catered to your needs.]
