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Diabetes complications in women

Diabetes puts everyone who has it at risk for other serious health problems. But the disease can be especially hard on women.

Scroll on to learn about six health issues that may be worse for women and people who were assigned female at birth who have diabetes than for men with the disease—and find out what to do about them.

1. HEART DISEASE

Women with diabetes are twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with heart disease—which can lead to heart attacks. They are also less likely to survive and thrive after a heart attack.

What you can do:

Practice heart-healthy habits like exercising regularly; keeping a healthy weight; and choosing healthy, low-fat foods. If your doctor recommends medications, take them as directed. Learn more about heart risks you can change.

2. DEPRESSION

Chronic diseases can take a toll on mental health, and diabetes is no exception. Women who have diabetes are at higher risk of depression than men.

What you can do:

Depression is treatable. Talk to your doctor about options. Wondering if your symptoms might be depression? Take this assessment.

3. BLINDNESS

Diabetes can damage the eyes, and it raises the risk of vision-stealing diseases, like glaucoma and retinopathy. Among people with diabetes, women are more likely than men to lose their sight.

What you can do:

Managing your diabetes may help prevent eye problems. People with diabetes also need dilated eye exams. The exams may help spot any problems in time to treat them.

4. SEXUAL HEALTH CONCERNS

Diabetes may cause vaginal dryness and a reduced sex drive.

What you can do:

Tell your doctor about any concerns. Relief might be as simple as using a lubricant to help make sex more comfortable.

5. FERTILITY ISSUES AND PREGNANCY COMPLICATIONS

Diabetes can make it harder to get pregnant, and it may increase the risk of pregnancy complications, such as high blood pressure, the need for a C-section, and having a baby born too large or too early.

What you can do:

Tell your doctor if you want to have a baby or if you are pregnant now. Keeping your diabetes under control and getting prenatal checkups can help you and your baby stay healthy.

6. FREQUENT YEAST AND URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS

Women have more urinary tract infections (UTIs) than men, regardless of diabetes. But diabetes raises this risk even more. Diabetes also raises a woman's risk of vaginal yeast infections.

What you can do:

Keeping your blood sugar levels within your target range might help you avoid both types of infections. Other tips to help prevent UTIs include drinking plenty of water and emptying your bladder often.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DIABETES COMPLICATIONS

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