Diabetes Effects, Combined With the Menopause Symptoms

In cases of women with diabetes, the perimenopausal stage can be very challenging.

The hormonal changes a woman experiences in her perimenopausal stage may affect the blood sugar levels in her body making them unpredictable and various. Both those affections will produce the same symptoms.

It is quite important in this case, for a woman assume correctly the symptoms to their cause because if they are attributed to low sugar levels and they are not, a woman will try in vane to raise the blood sugar and can cause a surge in blood sugar.

Low blood sugar, that is cause by diabetes, will affect one's sleep which is already disturbed by the menopausal symptoms of hot flashes and night sweats. Lack of sleep will worsen the situation by making the blood sugar levels harder to control.

Diabetes effects, combined with the symptoms of the menopausal will affect the sexual function, the ability to become aroused and reach orgasm:

• - The decrease of the blood flow in the vagina can cause it's tissues to dry and get thinner.
• - The vaginal secretions and mucus are less acidic due to the high level of glucose so they are less protecting against the bacteria which could lead to bacterial and yeast infections.
• - When the tissues of the bladder get thinner, it increases the possibility for an urinary tract infection.

Because the symptoms of diabetes and menopause are very similar, in order to treat the causes right, there are some steps that need to be followed:

Measure the blood sugar level often. Sometimes it may be necessary to measure it a few times a day and even at night. Make notes of the values and communicate them to the doctor so he can make adjustments in your treatment if necessary. If the blood sugar level increases, you will need a higher dosage of your medication or in some cases a new medication. This increase is more likely to occur with weight gaining or physical exercise reduction. The drop of sugar level in your blood will require a lower dosage of medication or, in some cases, it can remain the same because the gain of weight and the lack of physical exercises can make your organism more resistant to insulin.

Diabetes is a condition that will make your body more predisposed to cardiovascular diseases. This danger can be increased by high levels of cholesterol too, so, in cases of diabetes, the levels of cholesterol need to be lower than normal. ACP (The American College of Physicians) recommend to those with diabetes a cholesterol lowering drug, usually a statin, to lower the risk of further conditions especially if the menopause is reached.

A gynaecologist will help you solve your vaginal problems like dryness and thinning of the tissues by prescribing a treatment for moistening. The weight problem can be helped by a dietician.

These two conditions are hard to overcome together, but not impossible. Professionals will monitor the symptoms closely, cooperating with you and this will make the transition seem easier.