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Since 1987, May 28 is observed as International Day of Action for Women’s Health or International Women’s Health Day each year. This day is celebrated by women’s as well as health groups.
Latin American and Caribbean Women’s Health Network (or LACWHN) and Women’s Global Network for Reproductive Rights (WGNRR) are working closely together to ensure that the campaign is a success.
The primary objective of this day is to increase awareness on the central issues related to women’s health and wellbeing, such as Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). It is one of the most promising platforms to remind everyone (especially government leaders, policymakers, and parliamentarians) that women’s health is of utmost significance.
Here, we will explore what actions need to be undertaken against diabetes in women.
As a woman with diabetes, you have much more to manage. You must stay on track by regularly checking your blood glucose levels, consuming healthy food, and staying active so that you can be healthy and feel your best.
How Is Diabetes Different For Women In Comparison With Men?
Diabetes raises the risk of heart disease, which is the most common diabetes complication, by nearly four times in women in comparison with two times in men. Moreover, women are at a higher risk of several other diabetes complications such as kidney disease, blindness, and depression.
Some actions that need to be taken by you in specific conditions are mentioned below:
- Yeast and Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Several women will get a vaginal yeast infection at some point in their lives; however, women with diabetes are at a higher risk, especially if their blood glucose levels are high.
Action: To prevent yeast infections as well as UTIs, ensure that you keep your blood glucose levels within the target range. Other ways to prevent the occurrence of UTIs include drinking lots of water, wearing cotton underwear, and urinating frequently instead of waiting for the bladder to be full.
- Menstrual Cycle
Hormonal level changes immediately before and during your menstrual cycle can make it hard to predict your blood glucose levels. You might also have heavier or longer periods, and food cravings can make diabetes management harder.
Action: Check your blood sugar frequently and keep track of the results to check if there is any specific pattern. If you are on insulin, you may need to increase its intake in the days preceding your periods.
- Sexual Intercourse
Diabetes can lower your sex drive as well as your ability to enjoy it. In some women, sexual intercourse can turn out to be uncomfortable or painful due to vaginal dryness.
Action: Make it a point to speak with your doctor if you are experiencing any sexual problems. Several options can be explored, such as the use of vaginal lubricants and performing exercises that can augment sexual response.
- Birth Control
It is crucial to use birth control methods if you do not want to be pregnant or if you want to wait until your blood glucose levels are in the target range. This is because high blood sugar can lead to problems during pregnancy for both you and your baby.
Action: Speak with your doctor about all birth control options and risks. You must continue checking your blood glucose, track the results, and keep your doctor in the loop if they are on the rise.
- During Pregnancy
Gestational diabetes (or high blood glucose during pregnancy) can develop in women who do not already have diabetes.
Action: If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, your doctor will actively work with you to come up with a treatment plan to keep your blood sugar levels in the target range by consuming healthy food in the right quantities and staying active for most days in the week. You may also need certain diabetes medications or shots of insulin to ensure that you and your baby are healthy.
To Sum It All Up:
May 28 is observed as International Day of Action for Women’s Health every year. The main objective of this day is to increase awareness on the primary issues related to a woman’s health and wellbeing. Diabetes affects women in quite a different way in comparison with men. Hence, specific action plans are needed to tackle diabetes complications in women when it comes to yeast and urinary tract infections, menstrual cycle, sexual intercourse, birth control, and gestational diabetes.
