Diabetes and Menopause

Most women don’t realize the relationship between diabetes and menopause.  When in fact the symptoms of menopause can be the same as diabetes, in some instances.  Diabetes can also occur in menopausal woman, especially if they become pregnant.

When a woman experiences symptoms like hot flashes and moodiness, these symptoms can also be symptoms of hypoglycemia.  Hypoglycemia is the type of diabetes when the blood sugar level in the blood becomes low.  Usually a quick intake of sugar will for hypoglycemia will stop the episode and control the symptoms.

There are two types of diabetes, Type I, which usually occurs abruptly and most patients control this type of diabetes with insulin.  Type II diabetes is usually the most common.  It can be controlled with diet and in some cases may also need an oral medications.  Type II diabetes can occur in menopausal women and menopausal women who become pregnant.  A pregnant menopausal woman is prone to type II diabetes.  The symptoms of both of these diabetes can resemble the symptoms of menopause.

Hot flashes, mental confusion, and irritability are all symptoms of menopause.  These same symptoms can be affiliated with diabetes.  However, a common symptom of menopause, weight gain, is not a symptom of diabetes.  Usually a person who suffers with diabetes will experience weight loss verses the weight gain of menopause.

Women who are menopausal in their mid to late 40′s are more susceptible to diabetes.  As the body changes during menopause and there is a decrease of female hormones being produced makes woman in their forties a better candidate.

See a Healthcare Professional

It is very important to see a healthcare professional at the first signs of diabetes or menopause so a thorough medical exam can be performed for a correct diagnosis.  There are some cases where a menopausal woman may become diabetic (inflicted with diabetes), and as she completes the menopause transition can become diabetes free.

In both situations, diabetes or menopause, diet and exercise both play an important role in maintaining the condition and preventing and/or reducing the symptoms.  Exercising a few times a week can reduce symptoms and make way for a better and healthier body.  A change in your diet, by increasing fruits and vegetables, as well as, other supplements may have the same results.

There are products on the market that can relieve symptoms of diabetes as well as menopausal symptoms.  Herbal and natural remedies have been used to treat both of these conditions with positive outcomes.  Herbal and natural remedies are being sought by many patients because they don’t carry the side effects of conventional medications.  However, conventional medications are very productive in their treating the same ailments.