Understanding the Connection between Diabetes and Menopause
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How, if at all, are menopause and diabetes related? Changes in blood sugar levels throughout menopause are related to the body’s hormonal changes. [In fact], it has recently been discovered that diabetes may result from changing hormones during menopause.
Women who are undergoing perimenopause or are menopausal may endure symptoms that are quite common among most women in this phase of life. All mature women will go through menopause, but may not experience to the same extent all the symptoms that have been reported. Weight gain and trouble sleeping are common problems, as are hot flashes and emotional ups and downs. Here are a number of things you must keep in mind, as there may be a correlation between menopause and diabetes.
Many who are go through menopause experience restless nights. Research suggests that blood sugar levels rise when an individual gets insufficient sleep. Weight gain that may occur during menopause is also able to significantly affect the body’s blood sugar level. Diabetes may result from that in its turn.
A study which spanned four years researched post-menopausal women to assess their blood flow and how well their arteries and vessels functioned. These females had examinations twice yearly which included blood work. Although none of these women had diabetes before the test, the study deduced that a number of them became diabetic throughout the time they were being tested. This was apparent because there was a significant shift in blood flow in the arteries and vessels.
The idea of a direct link between menopause and diabetes is controversial, since it is difficult to tell whether or not the diabetes existed before the onset of menopause. The argument that diabetes caused the cell dysfunction does not apply since none of the women in the study had diabetes when it started. Instead, researchers are inclined to believe that dysfunction in cells lining blood vessels may lead toward diabetes.
Preliminary scientific evidence suggests that menopause and diabetes are linked, however there have been no conclusive findings so far. [If you are concerned about the menopause-diabetes link,] it is a good idea to have blood tests done for your blood sugar levels every six months, especially if you might be at risk for diabetes. Continue to exercise and eat healthily, and make contact with your health care provider if you experience any symptoms of diabetes.
For those who don’t want to take prescription drugs to relieve the discomfort of menopause, there are a number of alternatives for herbal menopause relief that can help get you through this phase of your life. Get more information at Menopause Symptom Relief.
Please note: This article was submitted by a guest author.
