In the modern world, several types of diseases have sustained growth, among them endocrine diseases and, above all, diabetes mellitus. By the number of cases, it lags only oncology and cardiovascular diseases.
Doctors constantly remind that the disease needs to be known in person and it is better to prevent its appearance. But if a person falls into a risk group, then you need to monitor your condition and know the first signs of an increase in blood sugar. In women, hyperglycemia suggests an individual approach to therapy.
What is glucose and its norms
In the pursuit of health, many try to exclude salt, pure sugar and all glucose-containing foods from their diet. But such a rigid principle of denial of necessary products or substances leads to other diseases and complications. People who have a hereditary tendency to diabetes need to scrupulously compose a menu, however, in clear rules of eating behavior, the use of healthy foods is limited, but not completely excluded.
To begin with, we will determine the indicators of the level of glucose in the bloodstream, based on medical standards:
- Normal indicators of a healthy person - from 3.3 mmol / L to 5.5 mmol / L.
- The prediabetic state is from 5.5 mmol / l to 6 mmol / l.
- The diagnosis of diabetes is made at rates above 6.1 mmol / L.
Why does the body need sugar
Glucose is a substance that supplies energy to cells and tissues of the whole body. In addition, the presence of the required amount of sugar in the blood, in combination with other participants, ensures the flow of such vital processes:
- Synthesis of nucleic acids, lipids, amino acids.
- Support the work of the heart and blood vessels.
- Starting production of a normal level of enzymes.
- The balance and normal functioning of the central nervous system.
- Promotes the onset of a feeling of satiety.
The process of glucose formation has several stages. Products enter the stomach, where the process of breaking down carbohydrates to saccharides, which includes glucose, takes place. Then, through the walls of the stomach, glucose is absorbed into the bloodstream and transported to cells and tissues. The hormone insulin provides mobility and the possibility of penetration of glucose into cells; the pancreas is responsible for its production.
Physiological enhancement
The first signs of increased blood sugar in women appear quite late, when the process is already running and even has some complications. The causes of hyperglycemia are divided into two groups - physiological and pathological.
The first group includes temporary factors, after the elimination of which the sugar level comes to normal, for example:
- Stress, prolonged emotional stress.
- Pregnancy.
- Eating simple carbohydrates.
- Pain syndrome (causes the release of hormones of adrenaline and thyroxine).
- Severe blood loss, lack of blood rutin, B vitamins.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning, active sports.
The physiological signs of an increase in blood sugar in women after eating naturally occur. After the appropriate time after eating, the glucose level in a healthy person stabilizes. Subject to the rules of a balanced diet, the absence of overeating, no threats to the female body arise.
Medicines and Sugar
Also, temporary hyperglycemia causes the intake of certain groups of medications:
- Estrogens, beta blockers, phenothiazines.
- Glucocorticosteroids (based on prednisolone).
- Oral contraceptives.
If, when taking medicines, there are signs of an increase in blood sugar in women, then notify the doctor about this. Based on the indicators of analyzes, the specialist adjusts the medication regimen, dosage or makes a full replacement for another medicine.
Pathological causes
Hyperglycemia of a pathological course occurs with the following diseases and conditions:
- Cirrhosis of the liver, infectious hepatitis.
- Diabetes mellitus, pancreatitis.
- Neuroendocrine diseases - polycystic ovary, obesity, Cushing's disease, etc.
- Violations of the adrenal glands.
- Pancreatic neoplasms.
- Complications after a stroke, heart attack, injuries of various kinds.
- Neoplasms causing a distortion of the hormonal background (glucagonomas, pheochromocytomas).
If hyperglycemia is suspected, a visit to the doctor is necessary, and this must be done as soon as possible. Postponing the problem is fraught with fatal consequences, often with incurable complications, manifested in the form of loss of vision, disability, etc. The specialist will definitely prescribe the necessary laboratory tests, instrumental diagnostics, and collect a complete medical history to find out why blood sugar rises. According to medical statistics, women are much more likely to get endocrine diseases than men.
Common symptoms
Against the background of constant warnings about the high probability of diseases of the endocrine system, not everyone knows what are the signs of increased blood sugar in women. But before you consider them, we will determine what are the common symptoms of high glucose levels.
A number of body signals are highlighted that indicate health problems associated with high blood glucose:
- Feeling of unquenchable thirst. The patient can drink up to 5 liters of water per day, but at the same time feel dry mouth. This is because glucose attracts water molecules and removes them from the body.
- Frequent urination (polyuria). Glucose along with water is excreted from the body through the kidneys, the water-salt balance is disturbed, the renal system suffers. Dizziness may occur.
- Fatigue, weakness. Glucose is a source of energy for the body. With pathologies of the pancreas and the inability of the body to reproduce insulin, which delivers glucose to the tissues, the cells do not receive the necessary charge for activity and experience constant hunger.
- Increase / decrease in body weight (depending on the type of damage to the pancreas).
- Slow healing of small scratches, inflammation of wounds, cuts. As a result, suppuration can occur, in severe cases leading to amputation.
- Skin diseases, infections of the genitourinary organs, accompanied by constant itching. Furunculosis, colpitis, etc. may occur.
- The body takes on the smell of acetone. This usually happens with very high blood sugar levels. This formidable sign indicates the onset of diabetic ketoacidosis.
Women's specifics
The level of glucose in the blood, significantly exceeding the norm, gradually destroys the internal organs and tissues. The immune system suffers, any viral or bacterial infection is fraught with severe course, slow recovery and complications. Health must be monitored to avoid chronic diseases. General symptoms of hyperglycemia are observed, including in women, but there are special signs.
What are the first signs of increased blood sugar in women? They are as follows:
- Violation of the menstrual cycle, which occurs due to malfunctions in the hormonal background.
- Vaginal infections, fungal infections of the genitourinary system. Diseases that have arisen are very difficult to treat, since an ideal environment has been created for their development.
- Hair loss, change in their structure, loss of strength and shine. This sad symptom is due to metabolic disorders.
- Fungal lesions of nails on the lower extremities. With increased sugar in the blood, the blood supply to the capillary system worsens, legs and hands often remain cold. Violation of blood circulation leads to a decrease in the body's resistance to infections, including fungal infections.
- If glucose indicators have exceeded the mark of 6 units, then a woman may begin to experience constant hunger, which indicates the threat of type 2 diabetes.
- A sharp drop in visual acuity, the appearance of spots in front of the eyes.
- Cramps. Symptom indicates an electrolyte imbalance and poor blood supply.
Age features
There are age indicators of normal blood glucose. Having crossed the 40-year milestone, blood sugar needs to be monitored on an ongoing basis, and this is due to the extinction of the functions of the organism in producing enough hormones. For women and men overcoming the 60-year age limit, glucose levels range from 4.6 to 6.4 mmol / L. Increased indicators are not a prediabetic state, but are associated exclusively with the extinction of the immune system and a decrease in hormones.
The causes and signs of increased blood sugar in women after 60 years are no different from those at another age. Treatment is complicated by slowing down the body’s reactions to medications, so prevention, eating behavior and physical activity play a major role. Experts recommend purchasing a special tester for home control of sugar levels.
Special provision
The expectation of a child is accompanied by a woman's vigilant attitude to her health, which means that tests are carried out regularly. A gynecologist, among other indicators, necessarily controls the level of glucose in the blood. If it is elevated, especially after the control test, then the specialist concludes that the patient has gestational diabetes.
In the vast majority of cases, this diagnosis is removed after childbirth, but it affects the process of bearing the fetus and is a threat to its health. In particular, a child may develop intrauterine hypoxia - oxygen starvation. Today, doctors are available various methods to reduce risks in the development of the baby and normalize glucose levels throughout all trimesters. Signs of increased blood sugar in women during pregnancy are standard, but the problem is that it is necessary to stabilize the condition of two people.
Gestational diabetes is a rare occurrence. According to medical data, 3-10% of expectant mothers are faced with it. What increases blood sugar in women during pregnancy:
- Hormonal changes caused by polycystic ovary.
- Obesity 3 or 4 degrees.
- Manifestation of gestational diabetes in previous pregnancies.
- Heredity.
Also, this type of hyperglycemia occurs in connection with the individual response of hormones to the pregnancy of a particular woman.
How to normalize sugar
Having found out what are the signs of increased blood sugar in women and having discovered at least one of the symptoms, it is necessary to undergo a medical examination, make a diagnosis, laboratory tests and consult a doctor. For pregnant women, this step is especially necessary. What a specialist usually recommends to normalize blood glucose:
- Balance your diet, but do not limit the number of calories.
- Organize fractional nutrition, the portion size should correspond to the size of a clenched fist.
- Exclude from the diet simple carbohydrates (sugar, sweets, cakes, etc.).
- Complex carbohydrates should be 50% of the generally accepted norm, the rest is compensated by fats and proteins.
- Go in for sports, take long walks away from tracks, factories, etc.
- Take medications only as directed by your doctor.
How to Overcome Hyperglycemia
Pathological signs of an increase in blood sugar in women require medical attention. Treatment is necessary in borderline conditions, when the indicators come close to the numbers characterizing the prediabetic state or diabetes. In this case, a visit to the doctor, a thorough diagnosis, strict adherence to the recommendations of a specialist and diet are mandatory.
The principles of nutrition:
- Frequent meals in small portions (up to 6 times a day).
- A balanced menu with plenty of fiber.
- The amount of fluid should not exceed 2 liters per day.
- One meal is made entirely of vegetables.
- The amount of salt is limited (individual quantitative recommendations).
- Mandatory refusal of alcoholic beverages, stimulants.
Foods that are low in simple carbohydrates and low in calories should be the foundation of the diet. Recommended for use:
- Low-fat varieties of meat and fish.
- Dairy products.
- Whole grains - oat, buckwheat, wheat, barley, etc.
- Rye or whole grain bread, preferably yeast-free.
- No more than 2 eggs per day.
- Legumes - peas, lentils, chickpeas, beans, peas, etc.
- Vegetables - radish, radish, all kinds of cabbage and salads, red pepper, baked eggplant, spinach, leafy greens, tomatoes, etc.
- Fruits and berries - quince, lemons, apples, pears, cranberries, lingonberries, blueberries, etc.
Vegetable fats should be present in the diet. It is necessary to refuse sugar, giving preference to sugar substitutes or a couple of spoons of honey per day. The cooking method is baking, boiling, stewing, steaming.
The following products are subject to exclusion from the diet:
- Flour, confectionery, pastry, pastries.
- Fatty varieties of fish and meat, bacon, canned food, smoked products.
- Dairy and some dairy products - fatty varieties of cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, cream.
- It is necessary to completely abandon industrial and homemade mayonnaise.
- Fruits and dried fruits - raisins, dates, grapes, figs, bananas, etc.
Prevention
Wanting to stay healthy for years to come, you should know the signs of increasing blood sugar in women and how to avoid them. The basis of prevention is physical activity - running, fitness, swimming, yoga, gym or any other activity that will help to avoid physical inactivity, enhance metabolism and normalize hormonal levels.
An important role in maintaining health is played by the observance of a stable regime of work and rest. Each person needs to get enough sleep, not to get into a state of stress and abandon bad habits - smoking, drinking alcohol in large quantities. Equally important is a positive attitude and the ability to experience joy, enjoyment of life.
The third whale of prevention is considered a balanced diet. It is necessary to streamline the hours of eating and strictly adhere to the schedule throughout the day. One of the important conditions is the complete exclusion of snacks with harmful products and products (chips, carbonated drinks, salted nuts, etc.). They will be replaced by fruits and dried fruits, nuts, vegetables, etc.