Diabetes symptoms of women and men are the same; however, certain diabetes symptoms are specific to women.
If you are looking for diabetes symptoms during pregnancy, then you also can visit gestational diabetes symptoms.
8 Diabetes Symptoms Unique to women
Diabetes symptoms are specific to women are:
Polycystic ovary syndrome, skin darkening, urinary tract infection, yeast infection, vaginal itching, white discharge, painful intercourse, and low sexual drive.
Along with the above diabetes symptoms specific to women, you also have diabetes symptoms common to both men and women.
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How women’s diabetes symptoms develop?
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) - about half of women with PCOS develop diabetes. Its signs and symptoms are irregular periods, acne, thinning of scalp hair, and excess hair growth on the face and body.
- Darkening of skin - Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a condition characterized by a darkening of the skin in the nape of your neck, under your armpits, and or groin area. It is an early sign of insulin resistance, which may progress into diabetes.
- Urinary tract infection (UTI) - UTI is a bacterial infection of the urinary tract that includes the urethra, ureter, kidney, and bladder. The sugar in the urine is a breeding ground for bacterial overgrowth. UTI is characterized by painful urination, burning sensation, and bloody or cloudy urine.
- Oral & Vaginal yeast infection - An overgrowth of yeast caused by the Candida fungus can cause oral and vaginal yeast infections. Elevated glucose level is the thriving ground for yeast. Yeast infection is characterized by redness, swelling, and or itching on or around the affected area, whether it is oral or vagina — also, white curd-like appearance around the spot.
- Vaginal itching - Itching and burning sensation may indicate yeast infection or dryness. High blood glucose levels can provide an ideal environment for the yeast as well as diminishes the body's ability to fight infection. Also, improper glucose utilization and removal of minerals lead to dryness that causes itching.
- Vaginal discharge – White discharge at the beginning or end of the menstrual cycle is regular. However, an abnormal discharge may be thick (cottage cheese-like) consistency yellow or green colored, or foul-smelling. Yeast or bacterial infection usually causes abnormal discharge.
- Painful sexual intercourse - Nerve damage, insufficient glucose utilization, and removal of minerals along with the urine can result in a lack of secretion of lubricating in the vagina, causing dryness and decreased sensation that leads to painful sex.
- Low sex drive (libido) – Improper blood flow to the genital area can decrease sexual response and orgasm.
If you experience some of the above-said symptoms and or other diabetes symptoms common to men & women, then you should undergo a blood test.