What are the signs of diabetes in a woman
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Consensus Meter
Signs of Diabetes in Women
Common Symptoms of Diabetes in Women
Increased Thirst and Frequent Urination
One of the most common signs of diabetes in women is increased thirst and frequent urination. This occurs because excess glucose in the blood causes the kidneys to work harder to filter and absorb the sugar. When the kidneys can't keep up, the excess glucose is excreted into the urine, dragging along fluids from the tissues, which leads to dehydration and increased thirst .
Unexplained Weight Loss
Despite eating normally, women with diabetes may experience unexplained weight loss. This happens because the body starts burning muscle and fat for energy when it can't use glucose effectively .
Fatigue
Fatigue is another prevalent symptom. When the body can't convert glucose into energy efficiently, it leads to feelings of extreme tiredness and lethargy .
Blurred Vision
High blood sugar levels can pull fluid from the lenses of the eyes, affecting the ability to focus and leading to blurred vision .
Slow-Healing Sores and Frequent Infections
Diabetes can impair the body's ability to heal and fight infections. Women may notice that cuts and bruises take longer to heal, and they may experience frequent infections, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) and yeast infections .
Specific Signs in Women
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Women with PCOS are at a higher risk of developing diabetes. PCOS is associated with insulin resistance, which can lead to glucose intolerance and eventually diabetes. Symptoms of PCOS include irregular menstrual cycles, excessive hair growth, and obesity.
Gestational Diabetes
Women who have had gestational diabetes during pregnancy are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Signs of gestational diabetes include high blood sugar levels during pregnancy, which can be detected through routine screening .
Itchy Skin and Rashes
Some women with diabetes may experience itchy skin and rashes. For instance, a case study highlighted a young woman with type 1 diabetes who presented with an extremely itchy rash, mainly affecting her elbows and buttocks.
Cardiovascular Risks
A history of gestational diabetes can also increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in women. This risk persists even if the woman does not develop diabetes later in life. Symptoms of CVD can include chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
Conclusion
Recognizing the signs of diabetes in women is crucial for early diagnosis and management. Common symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing sores. Specific conditions like PCOS and a history of gestational diabetes can further elevate the risk. Awareness and timely medical intervention can help manage and mitigate the complications associated with diabetes.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic