The Link Between Menopause and Diabetes

November 24th, 2009 by Menopause | Filed under Menopause.

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How, if at all, are menopause and diabetes related? Changes in blood sugar levels that accompany diabetes may be the result of hormonal changes in the body throughout menopause. We’ve been mostly focused on the symptoms surrounding menopause, bur recent studies have shown that the hormonal changes happening during menopause increase the risks of diabetes.

There are a number of symptoms that occur in most women who are perimenopausal or menopausal. All women will eventually experience menopause, although the symptoms they experience will vary. Weight gain and trouble sleeping are common problems, as are hot flashes and emotional ups and downs. But since diabetes may be related to menopause, here are some key facts you should know.

Many of us who are going through menopause experience restless nights. You will have higher blood sugar levels when you don’t get enough sleep. The extra pounds that are potentially put on throughout menopause could dramatically impact blood glucose concentrations too. As a result of this weight gain, the body takes on more risk of getting diabetes.

Post-menopausal women participated in a four-year study which measured their blood flow and the functionality of vessels and arteries. Twice a year, these women took blood tests and had physical examinations. 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. Blood flow in the veins and arteries had shifted dramatically.

Researchers can’t say with certainty that cell dysfunction is the root cause of diabetes in menopausal women, or if it is a result of having diabetes in the first place, even though the results may have shown a direct link. To restate, ladies did not suffer from diabetes at the start of the study, therefore assertions that this was the culprit in cell dysfunction is not valid. Instead, researchers are inclined to believe that dysfunction in cells lining blood vessels may lead toward diabetes.

Although research implies that a connection exists between menopause and diabetes, this is still being debated. It is a good thought to have blood tests done for your blood sugar levels every six months, particularly if you might be at risk for diabetes. Eat healthfully, do your exercises, and talk to a health care provider if you suspect you might have symptoms of diabetes.