Women and Diabetes: Dr. Parmar’s Life-Saving Tips You Can’t Ignore

Diabetes is a female-oriented condition that disproportionately places women at risk during different life phases, e.g., puberty, childbearing, and old age. Health professionals underline that early diagnosis, healthy living, and constant monitoring are the main ways to make sure that long-term complications do not arise.

Women go through biological and hormonal factors that may determine the course of diabetes. The situations like PCOS, pregnancy, and menopause contribute to the increased risk of developing diabetes but recognizing the symptoms late may worsen the situation. Fatigue, anxiety, or slight discomforts are often not treated, thus diabetes risks become hidden.

“Women can be empowered with knowledge, proper monitoring, and a structured lifestyle to manage diabetes effectively without feeling confined,” Dr. Girish Parmar, Director of Endocrinology at Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mumbai, told The Times of India.

The incidence of diabetes amongst women is similar to that in men; nonetheless, the effects are frequently more serious. To the women before menopause, the cardiovascular protection which is natural is lost hence they are more susceptible to heart attacks, strokes, kidney, and retina diseases. Many areas suffer from the problem of limited access to timely healthcare and that coupled with women’s additional family responsibilities hinders proper management.

Pregnancy and Gestational Diabetes

Pregnancy brings with it additional risks. Women who have gestational diabetes, among other things, may end up with pre-eclampsia, give birth to babies with abnormal weights or have newborns that need special care due to health worsened by diabetes; these are some immediate complications that they face. Research reveals that gestational diabetes even more so than other factors strongly correlates with the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Postpartum blood sugar monitoring and lifestyle changes that are preventive in nature are suggested for the women to reduce the long-term risks.

Early Detection and Regular Screening

Dr. Parmar urge women to take the risk seriously and get checked, even when they feel fine. Postponed visits to the doctor and ignored signs might cause the complication's severity to increase. It is very important that people undergo regular inspections, particularly while pregnant or after delivery. Women with diabetes, or low birth weight, in the family are, in particular, asked to be the first ones to check on their glucose levels.

Lifestyle and Genetic Influences

In India, women are less tall and have an average low birth weight, which in turn makes them more prone to diabetes and even heart diseases. If a mother has diabetes, she can pass this condition on to her offspring and create a family's cycle of obesity and high blood sugar. However, an enhancement in the form of a well-balanced diet, physical activity, and a healthy weight can set the high-risk groups free from the concern of diabetes.

Managing Diabetes During Pregnancy

Women who plan to become mothers should take care of their blood glucose levels well before the conception date. For pregnant women, there will be the constant checking of glucose levels, management of diet, and administration of drugs at the right time, which all contribute to the minimization of risks to both the mother and the baby. Continued care after birth is very important because women who have had gestational diabetes have a higher chance of getting diabetes in the future. It is necessary to make a lifestyle change where regular exercise along with not staying in one position for prolonged periods is considered an essential part of one's health.

Menopause and Blood Sugar Management

The hormonal changes that occur during menopause might make it harder to control one's blood sugar levels. To deal with the fluctuations, the medical experts suggest regular testing, changing one's diet according to the situation and keeping on exercising. Women, who from their 50s onward begin to check and manage their sugar levels, will not only escape but also castrate risks like that of heart diseases, hypertension, and lipid disorders.

Mental Health Considerations

Women suffering from diabetes experience mental disorders such as depression and anxiety more often than men. Emotional well-being has a direct impact on the compliance with medication, diet, and activity routines. Family support together with professional mental health care results in better overall management and quality of life.

Balancing Work and Diabetes Management

For working women, Dr. Parmar recommends short but frequent activity sessions throughout the day rather than going for ambitious but unsustainable fitness plans. Planning meals, carrying balanced snacks, and making small, consistent changes in diet help to keep glucose levels under control without interrupting daily activities.