Diabetes is one of the most common metabolic disorders that women suffer from. Studies have shown that this life-threatening condition is the ninth major cause of death in women globally. In diabetes, the body is unable to produce insulin or process it efficiently. Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas that converts blood sugar to energy and maintains glucose levels.  Over time, high levels of sugar in the blood can cause damage to your nerves, blood vessels, and organs and even cause serious health complications. It is found that women are affected by the consequences of diabetes more severely. For instance, the condition increases the risk of heart disease in women by about four times, and in diabetic men, this risk is only about two times. Women have worse outcomes after a heart attack. 

Women need to recognize the signs of high blood sugar. These include frequent urination, fatigue, irritability, slow-healing wounds, nausea, skin infections, blurred vision, weight loss or gain, excessive thirst, and hunger- all the signs that both men and women have in common. While many diabetes symptoms in women are the same as those in men, certain symptoms are unique to women. Understanding these are equally important to identify the condition so that it can be managed early to prevent complications. 

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOD may be one of the symptoms of diabetes in female body.  This is one of the most common causes of female infertility and involves imbalanced hormones.  Experiencing the symptoms of PCOD may also indicate that your blood sugar levels are not in a healthy range. The signs and symptoms include excess hair growth, irregular periods, thinning scalp hair, acne, weight gain, irritability, depression, and more. 

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Urinary Tract infections may cause due to many reasons, but the risk is high when your blood sugar levels are not controlled, or you have diabetes. Uncontrolled blood sugar affects even your immune system, making it difficult to eliminate bacteria, the pathogen that causes UTIs. The sugar in the urine is also linked to bacterial infections, as it presents the breeding ground for the growth of harmful bacteria. The symptoms include a bloody sensation while urinating, bloody urine, painful urination, and feeling the need to urinate constantly

Yeast infections

High levels of blood sugar can trigger the growth of fungus in the body, which increases the likelihood of vaginal or oral yeast infections. Uncontrolled diabetes can alter circulation, blood vessel health, and overall immune function of the body, thereby, making it easier for fungal infections (like Candida) to thrive in the body. Vaginal yeast infections are common. But yeast overgrowth can even happen in the mouth.  Painful urination, white vaginal discharge with a cottage cheese appearance, and vaginal pain and soreness are some of the symptoms of vaginal yeast infections. Symptoms of oral yeast infections include soreness or pain in the mouth that causes difficulty in eating or drinking.

Ayurvedic Treatment of Diabetes in Women 

In Ayurveda, diabetes can be controlled with the help of dietary changes for diabetes management (Ahara), lifestyle modifications (Viahara), a disciplined daily routine (Dincharya), and changes in diet or habits as per season (Rituchraya). Ayurveda also specifies using potent and time-tested herbs that nature has bestowed on us to support our body’s natural sugar metabolism mechanisms. 

• Use Herbs like Bilva, Haridra, Shilajeet, Neem, turmeric, Amla, bitter gourd, and Jamun to keep the level of sugar in the blood under control. These work as the best Ayurvedic medicine for diabetes. Regular intake of these medicinal herbs and ingredients stabilizes blood sugar and prevents diabetes from worsening.

• Take ½ tsp of fenugreek (methi)  powder or methi water on an empty stomach daily in the morning. Fenugreek is also a wonderful remedy that helps you manage your blood sugar levels. 

• Take 1 tsp of Triphala Churna to manage your blood sugar levels. This supports bowel movement and digestive health and supports metabolism, which future helps in managing blood sugar levels. 

• Use Glucomap, which is a scientifically tested Ayurvedic medicine for diabetes. The synergistic action of herbs like Jamun, Arjuna, and Neem helps stabilize blood sugar levels.  It helps nourish the pancreas which further enhances insulin productivity & sensitivity.  The greatest advantage is that it’s completely safe and can be taken with other medicines.

• Engage in physical activity. Weight management is extremely important to manage blood sugar levels. It is important to engage in physical activity for at least 30 minutes every day, with an emphasis on yoga and light cardio exercise. 

• Try panchakarma detox. This therapy includes practices like Abhyanga(self-massage) and Purgation(evacuation of the bowels and should be done under the supervision of an Ayurvedic specialist. It also includes the use of oil which is very beneficial for cleansing and nourishing your system.

• For PCOD cure, women can use Restone, an Ayurveda non-hormonal formula made entirely from herbs like Ashoka, Shatavari, Lodhra, and Safed Chandan that work synergistically to manage hormone levels and alleviates PCOD symptoms naturally. Doing Yoga is also beneficial. One of the best yoga for hormonal balance is Ushtrasaa, or Camel Pose. 

• Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet that includes whole pulses (moong daal, red lentil, chickpeas, kidney beans, and whole gram)whole grains( coarse cereals/millets – jowar, bajra, and ragi ), nuts and seeds ( almonds, pistachios, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, and chia seeds ) more non-starchy vegetables(like spinach, green beans, broccoli, and green leafy vegetables),  whole pulses ( chickpeas, moong daal, red lentil, kidney beans, and whole gram)

• Skipping your meals is harmful to your health. Instead, take small and frequent meals.

• Avoid refined flour and instant cereals (like maida, noodles, pizza base, sweets, biscuits, etc), Roots and tubers like potato, yam, carrot, beetroot, radish, and Colocasia should also be avoided if you’ve high blood sugar.  Also avoid taking bananas, mango, dates, grapes, fruit juices, carbonated drinks, coconut.

• Keep visiting your diabetes specialist and monitoring your blood sugar levels at home.