By Dr. Rajiv Kovil, Diabetology

Menopause is an unfortunate and uncomfortable but unavoidable part of every woman’s life. Menopause is a stage of life after which women stop having periods, and the ability to produce Estrogen and Progesterone hormones is reduced. For some women, it may also happen due to surgery.

Menopause is the utmost truth that must happen at any stage of women’s lives, but do they have any effect on the diabetic system of the body? Or does menopause have any effects on diabetic women?

Menopause and diabetes may or may not depend upon each other. There are certain studies that show that the lowering of Estrogen and Progesterone hormones will affect how the body responds to an Insulin hormone.

How Diabetes and Menopause Team Up to Affect the Body?

Fluctuation of Blood Sugar

During the transitional years of menopause in which the periodical cycle becomes abnormal but hasn’t stopped, Estrogen and Progesterone Hormone are also unstable. The instability of these hormones will affect how the body responds to insulin. This will also cause problems in Diabetic Management. The higher levels of Estrogen Hormone will improve the sensitivity of insulin, while higher levels of Progesterone will resist insulin hormones. When one can see these types of menopause changes, it is hard to predict the sugar level of the blood.

Change in Weight

Change in sexual hormones will increase the chances of women to gain weight during and after menopause. As a result, the need for insulin and oral diabetes medications increases. Women who gain weight during and after menopause have a higher risk of diabetes.

Infections

High blood sugar can also infect vaginal and urinary tract of the body. This can be worse after menopause. Reduction of Estrogen and Progesterone hormones makes it easier for yeast and bacteria to infect the vaginal and urinary tract of the body.

Sleeping Problems

Menopause can also affect sleeping habits. It can add night sweats and hot flashes which makes sleeping uncomfortable. This problem can increase blood sugar level, especially if someone is suffering from stress.

Sexual Problems

The nerves of the cell of the vagina may be damaged with diabetes. This can interfere with orgasm and arousal. Vaginal dryness due to menopause may cause pain during sex.

What Should One Can Do for Menopause and Diabetes?

Menopause may have a vital effect on diabetes management of the body, but there are plenty of ways using which diabetes can be managed during and after menopause:

● Lifestyle can be changed during the time of menopause by eating healthy food and indulging in some exercises.

● Blood sugar level should be regularly checked. This will help the person to track the blood sugar variations.

● Consult a doctor about adjusting the diabetes medication. In this period, sugar level becomes unstable, so it is important to take the medication accordingly.

● It is important to understand the symptoms of menopause.

Having diabetes with menopause can be a twin challenge but by consulting a skilled and experienced physician, it can be easily managed and controlled.