REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — For female patients, diabetes can affect many aspects of health, starting from sexual and reproductive health, kidney disease, and nerve problems. Making efforts to control it is important, because the case diabetes has increased in all age groups and sexes.
Diabetes can reduce libido and a woman’s ability to enjoy intimacy. They may also experience vaginal dryness, a higher risk of vaginal yeast infections, and an increased risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs).
If not properly controlled, diabetes can put women at risk for complications such as kidney disease, vision loss, various skin conditions, and nerve problems. In the worst case, it can even result in amputation.
Obesity, hypertension, and domicile in urban areas are risk factors for diabetes in women. Hormonal changes during the cycle menstruation and menopause can also affect blood sugar in women and increase the risk of diabetes.
“With advances in technology and accessibility to the internet and smartphones, it has become easier to educate women about the need to control diabetes,” said BeatO’s chief clinical officer, Navneet Agrawal. Hindustan TimesWednesday (22/3/2023).
Regarding efforts to control diabetes, there is actually no diet and fitness formula that is suitable for all patients. Each individual is unique and lifestyle changes may require interventions in different domains. However, the following six ways can help control type 2 diabetes in women:
1. Structured physical activity
Regular and structured exercise helps regulate blood glucose levels, maintain a healthy weight, and reduce stress levels. However, diabetic patients are advised to consult a doctor or health trainer before engaging in strenuous exercise.
2. Special diet
If you want to control type 2 diabetes, monitoring your diet is a must. Patients should keep the amount of carbohydrates under control and make sure they are eating enough fiber and more unsaturated fats to keep them full longer and lower cholesterol.
Avoid eating fried and sugary foods. When preparing dishes, use diabetes-friendly cooking methods. Also, don’t consume carbonated and sweetened drinks in excessive amounts.
3. Get enough sleep
Adequate and quality sleep is very important if you want to control type 2 diabetes. Because, when patients are sleep deprived, it can cause an increase in the hunger hormone called ghrelin. This condition leads to overeating and spikes in sugar levels.
4. Care and self-control
Self-care and self-control are important aspects of diabetes prevention. Practice self-control when it comes to making everyday choices regarding diabetes management. Meanwhile, self-care includes managing chronic conditions and ensuring regular monitoring of sugar levels.
5. Stress management
Stress and anxiety can directly affect sugar levels. If the stress level is too high, the sugar level will also increase. While it’s impossible to eliminate stress from your life, take steps to reduce and manage stress levels. For example, by having fun with friends, practicing meditation, or taking up a hobby.
6. Avoid alcohol and smoking
Diabetics are advised to avoid drinking alcohol and not smoking. Substance abuse is also dangerous for people with diabetes because it can hinder the body’s ability to function normally and cause clinical disorders.
