A recent study shows concern for women’s health because diabetic women have a much higher death rate than male diabetics.
If you are a woman and were just diagnosed with diabetes, rest assured that you are not alone. In fact, you’re in very good company.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease that affects carbohydrate metabolism. This is characterized by inadequate production or utilization of insulin that results in large amounts of glucose in the blood and urine, excessive thirst, weight loss, and destruction of small blood vessels leading to complications like infections, gangrene of the limbs, or blindness.
What does diabetes cause?
Many different medical complications come from diabetes. Just to name a few:
- Blindness
- Digestive disease
- Eye complications
- Heart disease
- High blood-sugar levels
- Infections
- Kidney failure
- Nerve damage
- Pregnancy complications
- Skin complications
- Stroke
- Vessel disease
Why are women affected more than men?
The death rate for men with diabetes has dropped substantially in the last three decades; however the death rate for women with diabetes has increased. Facts show that men are more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes than women; however, the difference between the sexes after their diagnosis is unusual.
What can I do to control my diabetes?
By following these simple steps you can make sure your diabetes will be under control.
- Be under a doctor’s care.
- Check your blood sugar, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure regularly.
- Exercise regularly.
- Go to regular checkups for your eyes, feet, and kidney functions.
- Maintain a healthy diet.
- Quit smoking.
- Take your medications as directed.
If you follow these simple steps, then you can be sure that you will have a chance to make an impact on the world.
