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| Diabetes and menopause |
Menopause is
not only a phase in aging in which a woman’s period stops and their estrogen
levels decline. It can also result from the medical removal of ovaries via
surgery. Menopause can be challenging for women with diabetes.
Below are
critical health challenges you should expect if you have diabetes and are going
through menopause… and how you can remedy the situation.
Changes in blood sugar level
After you
reach menopause, hormonal level changes in your body can cause your blood sugar
levels to fluctuate. If you have diabetes at this time and your blood sugar
gets out of control, your risk of diabetes complications is likely to reach its
highest point.
Infections
If your
blood sugar levels are above normal before menopause, it can lead to urinary
tract and vaginal infections. Such risk of infections is even higher after
menopause because estrogen drops, making it much easier for bacteria and yeast
to flourish in your urinary tract and vagina.
Weight gain
The time you
are experiencing menopausal transition and post-menopause might come with
weight gain. Added weight may require that you adjust your diabetes medication.
Sexual problems
With
diabetes in your body, the cell nerves that line the vaginal may get damaged.
This can make having arousal and orgasm hard. No wonder vaginal dryness is a
common symptom of menopause and can worsen by causing pain during sex.
Sleep problems
During your
post-menopause life, hot flashes and night sweats may reduce your sleep time.
With sleep deprivation, managing your blood sugar levels can be harder.
Diabetes
and menopause: Remedial Actions You Can Take
Menopause
can render diabetes control quite difficult. However, here are things you can
do to manage diabetes and menopause impressively.
Make healthy lifestyle choices
Make sure to
adopt healthy lifestyle choices as a fundamental aspect of your diabetes
treatment plan. This involves eating wide-ranging healthy foods like
vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean poultry and only dairy products with low
fat. Having 30 minutes of light physical activity per day is great for your
health. Brisk walking is a good example. Quit smoking if you smoke and all
these can make menopause better.
Check your blood pressure often
Always
measure your blood pressure levels to ensure the range is healthy. Discuss with
your doctor about any blood pressure-related concerns, questions or worries. If
you are on HBP medications, follow the prescription strictly.
Check your blood sugar frequently
You may
start measuring your blood sugar level more frequently during the day and
occasionally at night. Record and keep the blood sugar readings and symptoms.
These details may help your doctor if you need to adjust your diabetes
treatment plan.
Ask your doctor about
cholesterol-lowering medications
Having
diabetes positions you at a higher risk of heart disease, especially during
menopause. Home remedies like eating healthy foods and regular exercise can
help. The help your doctor might offer includes cholesterol-lowering
medication.
Remedy for menopausal symptoms
Menopausal symptoms include hot flashes,
decreased sexual response, vaginal dryness, etc. Your doctor may recommend
restoring your vaginal moisture with a vaginal lubricant, taking vaginal
estrogen therapy to fix thinning issues and inflammation of the vaginal walls.
Hormone replacement therapy may also be recommended if necessary.
Living with
diabetes while going through menopause can be a serious twin challenge. Partner
with your doctor and dietitian well to ease the transition.
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