Dr Yamini P. Bhalerao on The Rising Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in Women

The modern times are all about cashing out on the opportunities and check listing lives’ achievements. But amidst the struggle to gather as much as you can of life, we ignore the subtle signs from our body. This might sound like an advertisement for a multivitamin capsule, but aren’t these advertisements also stating the obvious. We do not prioritize our health and well-being and repeatedly ignore those pangs of thirst and hunger. That urge to take a loo break every few minutes. All of which are major symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes. A rising epidemic in women, along with blood pressure and coronary diseases.

This article is to bring in awareness regarding symptoms of Type 2 diabetes and why it is important to manage diabetes properly.

Factors that lead to Diabetes

What exactly is Diabetes?

Clinically known as Diabetes mellitus, it is a chronic disease associated with high levels of glucose in the blood due to either inadequate production of insulin by Pancreas or insensitivity of cells to the Insulin (Insulin Resistance). The former is known as Type 1 diabetes and the latter is known as Type 2 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is called Juvenile diabetes, as it affects teenagers and children mostly. It is the Type 2,  which is rampantly spreading through the masses and classes, making it one of the several infamous ‘Lifestyle diseases’.

Though genetics is said to be one of the main risk factors in acquiring Type 2 diabetes, it is also a result of stressful or sedentary (meaning work where lower physical activity is required) lifestyle.

How do I know something is wrong?

Our body gives us tell-tale signs for every problem it is having, and this is true in case of diabetes as well. If you experience some or many of these symptoms, maybe it’s time to consult a doctor and get your blood sugar checked.

• Polydipsia: Increased thirst
• Polyuria: Increased urination
• Polyphagia: Increased hunger
• Fatigue
• Unexplained sudden loss of weight or weight gain in some cases
• Repeated or increased incidences of vaginal or urinal yeast infection
• Bleeding from gums, along with bad breath and tooth mobility
• Slow wound healing

 What happens if I ignore these symptoms?

Diabetes does more harm to your body than you know of. It keeps attacking various cells and organs of our body. Leading to several other diseases and complications.

• Atherosclerosis: Arteries become narrow and brittle due to the accumulation of plaque.
• Peripheral Neuropathy: Nerve damage in the hands and feet, causing a tingling sensation, pain or numbness.
• Nephropathy: Damage to Nephrons- kidney cells, leading to impaired kidney function. If unchecked, it may progress to kidney failure.
• Glaucoma: The Increased pressure of the fluid in the eye leading to blurry/ impaired vision.
• Diabetic coma

How can I prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes?

By taking better care of yourselves. Diabetes has been linked to heredity, stress, obesity, unhealthy eating. But we all know that every one of us struggles with one or many of the above-mentioned causes in life. It’s a perennial struggle to maintain a healthy stress-free lifestyle, in an ideal weight bracket and only a few manage to succeed. That does not mean that there is no hope for others. Exercise and workout are the only way out.

Losing weight is not the goal here. It is about giving a level of activity of our body as frequently as possible. As is making it a habit to eat healthily.

After the age of thirty-five, women need to take special care of themselves. Get your blood pressure and sugar checked annually and make sure your diet is balanced. Our bodies need a lot more devotion and care than those of men. This is simply because they are more giving and nurturing. That reason alone should motivate us to pay more attention to our health.

Also Read: Benefits Of Consuming Curry Leaves

Pic Credits: healthline.com

Dr Yamini Pustake Bhalerao is a writer with the SheThePeople team, in the Opinions section.