Diabetes can cause specific complications in women. When compared with men, women have a 50% greater risk of diabetic coma. Women with diabetes have heart diseases similar to men, but more women die from the first heart attack than do men with diabetes.

The complications of women with diabetes include:

• Women with diabetes have an increased risk of recurrent yeast infections
• May cause decreased vaginal lubrication
• Birth control pills can raise blood sugar levels
• Fluctuations in hormone levels through the menstrual cycle can increase the blood sugar levels. When the estrogens levels are high the body may be resistant to its own insulin or injected insulin
• Premenstrual symptoms can be worsened by poor blood sugar control
• Pregnancy in a woman with diabetes and the temporary diabetes which occurs during pregnancy can increase the risk for birth defects
• Hormonal levels change in perimenopause can cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Women with diabetes have an increased risk of premature menopause and this can lead to higher risk of heart disease
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is part of the Insulin Resistance Syndrome. It is caused by genetics and lifestyle factors

Go to your doctor regularly and the blood sugar levels must be estimated regularly to find, diagnose and treat diabetes. It increases your quality of life.