Diabetes

About 16 million Americans have diabetes and the numbers are growing every day. Obesity (being overweight), aging, and the couch-potato lifestyle increase a person's risk for diabetes. Children can also get diabetes. During pregnancy, diabetes can occur, which goes away when the pregnancy is over. But this can put a woman at increased risk for developing diabetes when she is older. People who have diabetes have higher than normal blood sugar levels, which prevents their bodies from getting needed fuel for growth and energy. Some of the problems that can occur with diabetes include blindness, loss of a limb, heart disease, kidney failure, and premature death. With the proper treatment and changes in diet and exercise, many people who have diabetes can live healthy and full lives.

A woman's body image can change when she has diabetes. Even if a woman feels great, having to always watch what she eats and check her blood sugar can be a constant reminder that something is wrong. Starting a diet and exercise program to help manage diabetes can be stressful. It is important for women to learn as much as they can about managing diabetes. It is also important for women to know the warning signs of diabetes: extreme thirst; frequent urination; weight loss without trying to lose weight; extreme hunger; sudden vision changes; tingling or numbness in the hands or feet; continuous fatigue; very dry skin; slow-healing sores; and increase in infections. Seeing your health care provider as soon as you think there may be a problem is best. The National Women's Health Information Center has provided the following publications and organizations to help women learn more about diabetes and how to maintain a positive body image.

Publications

Diabetes Overview
This fact sheet explains the different types of diabetes as well as the various treatment methods available. It also provides information on the impact and cost of the disease, its increasing prevalence, and research currently being conducted by government and private organizations.

Diabetic Neuropathy: The Nerve Damage of Diabetes
This fact sheet describes the causes, symptoms, and major types of neuropathy. It also provides information about diagnosis and treatment, as well as findings of the Diabetic Control and Complication Trial as they relate to neuropathy. Neuropathies lead to numbness and sometimes pain and weakness in the hands, arms, feet, and legs.

Frequently Asked Questions - Diabetes: Overview
This fact sheet explains in plain, easy to understand language, what diabetes is, the different types of diabetes, who may be at risk, diabetes symptoms, how doctors test for diabetes, who should be tested, and how it can be treated. This publication also addresses hypoclycemia and helps clear up common confusion about its relationship to diabetes.

Take Care of Your Feet For a Lifetime - A Guide for People with Diabetes
The following publication discusses the importance of foot care for people with diabetes. Loss of feeling in their feet, changes in the shape of their feet, foot ulcers or sores that don't heal are some of the problems discussed.

A Guide for Women with Diabetes - Women's Sexual Health
This article includes information on sexual problems, sypmtoms, treatment, and possible physical reasons for sexual problems in women.

Diabetes Risk Test (Copyright © American Diabetes Association)
This tool is an interactive test that can help you determine your risk for diabetes.

Diabetes

Publications

Organizations