4 signs of diabetes only seen in women

Diabetes has become known as the silent killer because it does not always cause noticeable symptoms, particularly in the early stages. For women, however, certain symptoms can serve as a red flag, suggesting the presence of diabetes or prediabetes. Nearly 70 million people – half of them women – in a population of 1.21 billion have diabetes, and the number is predicted to rise to 101 million by 2030, according to a study Impact of Gender on Care of Type 2 Diabetes.
These symptoms are often neglected or misdiagnosed, but recognising them might be the difference between receiving prompt medical attention and not. The following are four early indications of diabetes that are unique to women.

Increased thirst and frequent bathroom visits

One of the earliest signs of diabetes is excessive thirst, known as polydipsia. While this symptom is not unique to women, it has been linked to frequent urination (polyuria), which might become more acute during pregnancy or menstruation due to hormonal changes. Women may notice that they need to use the toilet more frequently than normal, especially at night.
This occurs because high levels of sugar in the blood induce the kidneys to work overtime to filter extra glucose, resulting in dehydration. A study published in

Diabetes Care Journal

found that women are more likely than males to suffer bladder discomfort and hydration-related symptoms in the early stages of diabetes.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and insulin resistance

Women with PCOS have an increased chance of getting Type 2 diabetes. PCOS, a hormonal condition, impairs the body’s capacity to use insulin properly, resulting in insulin resistance—the forerunner to diabetes. When diabetes develops, symptoms such as irregular periods, weight gain, and acne may worsen.

According to the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, up to 70% of women with PCOS may have some amount of insulin resistance, increasing their risk of prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes.

Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Frequent UTIs can be an overlooked sign of diabetes in women. Increased blood sugar levels provide an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive, leading to recurrent infections. Women, being anatomically more prone to UTIs due to their shorter urethra, may experience this as an early symptom.
A study in the Journal of Diabetes and Its Complications found that women with diabetes have nearly twice the risk of developing UTIs compared to non-diabetic women.

Heavier or irregular menstrual periods

Diabetes can disrupt a woman’s menstrual cycle, causing periods to become heavier or irregular. This happens because diabetes affects hormone regulation and insulin sensitivity, both of which play crucial roles in the reproductive system.
According to research from the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, women with poorly managed blood sugar levels are more likely to experience menstrual irregularities. These disruptions could signal underlying insulin resistance or diabetes, especially if they appear alongside other symptoms like fatigue or weight changes.