World Diabetes Day: Rise in number of women turning diabetic

Not only is diabetes in women different and difficult, it is usually dismissed, said Dr A Mohan, a diabetologist, adding, “This is due to urbanisation and globalisation and balancing traditional and non-traditional roles. Genetics, physical inactivity, obesity, poverty, care-giving, and gender disparities are other important contributing factors. Women tend to take their personal healthcare as secondary, ignoring symptoms.” Stating that women and girls are particularly vulnerable to diabetes and the incidence amongst them is rising, Dr J Joshua, an endocrinologist said, “It affects them in many different and serious ways ranging from higher risk of heart disease, stroke, eye disease, pregnancy related complications, depression and financial burden.

Even though currently there is no known cure for diabetes, with the right treatment and knowledge, people with diabetes can lead a healthy and a happy life.” Some studies predict that Type 1 diabetes which affects younger people, will see a rise of 50 per cent across the next 10 years. With this exponential rise in diabetic cases, the cases of infertility due to diabetes are also bound to increase. “Diabetes can negatively impact the reproductive health of both men and women. However, couples diagnosed with diabetes can still conceive, provided that diabetes is kept under control and a healthy body weight is maintained. In extreme cases, infertility treatments like IUI and IVF can help couples conceive.” says Dr Manish Banker, Director, Nova IVI Fertility.