How Diabetes Affects Women Differently Than Men: Diabetes is one of the most common long-term health conditions today, but what many people don’t realise is that it doesn’t affect everyone in the same way. Women and men can experience diabetes very differently - from how the condition develops, to the symptoms they feel, to the long-term complications they might face.
When we spoke to Dr Manjunath Malige, Director - Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Obesity & Weight Management, Sakra World Hospital, Bengaluru, he explained that a woman’s hormones, body structure and life-stage changes all play a big part in how diabetes shows up. Many women may not recognise the early signs, simply because their symptoms don’t always match the “traditional” picture people expect. That’s why understanding these differences can help women take charge of their health earlier and more confidently. Read these key ways diabetes affects women differently:
Diabetes, a chronic health condition, caused when the blood sugar level is higher than the normal due insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps carry sugar (glucose) from the blood into the cells. If you have diabetes, either your body does not make insulin (Type 1) or the insulin lacks to perform its function (Type 2).
Women naturally store fat in different areas of the body compared with men. While younger women often carry more fat around the hips and thighs, changes during menopause shift fat towards the stomach, a pattern strongly linked to insulin resistance.
Men tend to show metabolic problems earlier because they accumulate more visceral fat around their organs. Women, on the other hand, may appear “healthy” on the outside while changes are quietly happening inside.
Hormones like oestrogen and progesterone naturally shift throughout a woman’s life. These hormonal changes influence how sensitive the body is to insulin, which can make blood sugar levels rise or fall more suddenly than expected. Many women notice that their glucose levels increase before their period due to hormonal changes, then drop once menstruation begins.
During pregnancy, these hormonal shifts become even stronger. This is when gestational diabetes can develop, even in women who have never had high blood sugar before. Dr Manjunath Malige highlights, “Hormonal fluctuations during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause also influence blood sugar levels. These hormonal changes negatively affect the actions of insulin, making it difficult to predict and manage blood glucose levels. Conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) further increase insulin resistance, predisposing women to Type 2 diabetes at a younger age.”
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience urinary tract infections (UTIs), yeast infections, and sexual health issues compared with men. High blood sugar creates an environment where bacteria and yeast can thrive, while hormonal fluctuations can make these problems more frequent or severe.
Dr Malige notes. “Women with diabetes are more prone to urinary tract infections, yeast infections, and sexual dysfunction due to high blood sugar and hormonal changes. Not just physical complications, emotional well-being plays a crucial role. It is seen that diabetic women are more likely to experience depression and anxiety.”
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Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy and can pose risks for both mother and child. For the mother, it increases the likelihood of developing type-2 diabetes later in life. For the baby, it raises the risk of obesity and diabetes in childhood and adulthood. The expert explains, “Gestational diabetes, which occurs during pregnancy, not only endangers the mother but also increases the child’s risk of developing obesity and diabetes later in life.”
Women who develop gestational diabetes are advised to follow a carefully monitored diet, stay physically active, and attend regular screenings during and after pregnancy. Early awareness and management can significantly reduce long-term complications for both mother and child.
One of the most serious differences that can be more severe in women is the diabetes-related health complications. Heart disease risk increases significantly, and symptoms include breathlessness, tiredness, or discomfort rather than sharp chest pain.
Women with diabetes are also more likely to develop kidney issues, nerve damage, and circulation problems. Dr Manjunath Malige explains, “Diabetes significantly raises the risk of heart disease in women, almost four times higher compared to men and for men the risk roughly doubles. Diabetic women are also more likely to experience a decline in health and life following a heart attack.”
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Women often report symptoms like:
Increased thirst and frequent urination
Frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue
Blurred vision
High blood sugar
Slow-healing sores
Heavier or irregular menstrual periods
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Keep regular health checks, especially after pregnancy or menopause
Stay active with walking, swimming or cycling
Choose balanced meals over strict diets
30 minutes exercise (five days a week)
Limit harmful foods
Choose healthy fats
Drink more water and get enough sleep
Talk openly to your doctor about symptoms and hormonal changes
Women experience unique challenges when it comes to their health, but with knowledge and timely care, they can manage these risks effectively and protect their long-term health.
For more such stories, stay tuned to HerZindagi.
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