by Kim Allarie

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 during menopause. We’ve been mainly focused on the symptoms surrounding menopause, bur recent studies have shown that the hormonal changes happening during menopause increase the risks of diabetes.

Women who are undergoing perimenopause or are menopausal may endure symptoms that are quite common among most women in this phase of life. All women will eventually experience menopause, although the symptoms they experience will vary. Some of the symptoms of menopause are hot flashes, mood swings, sleeplessness and gaining weight. However, because menopause and diabetes might be linked, you ought to be aware of the following information.

Many of us who are going through menopause experience restless nights. You will have higher blood sugar levels when you do not get adequate sleep. As we all know, weight gain while going through menopause will happen, however it will also upset your blood sugar levels. A consequence of this may be the onset of diabetes.

Post-menopausal women participated in a four-year study which measured their blood flow and the functionality of vessels and arteries. 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 during the time they were being tested. Blood flow in the veins and arteries had shifted dramatically.

The idea of a direct link between menopause and diabetes is controversial, because it is hard to tell whether or not the diabetes existed before the onset of menopause. 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. It has been concluded that the dysfunction of the cells lining blood vessels may be a contributing factor in diabetes.

Although research implies that a connection exists between menopause and diabetes, this is still being debated. It is a good idea to have blood tests done for your blood sugar levels every six months, particularly if you might be at risk for diabetes. Contact your health care provider if any diabetic symptoms are present, while maintaining a healthy diet and exercise program.

About the Author:
Menopause is a difficult time for many women, and requires them to make a number of adjustments to their lifestyle in order to combat the symptoms. In particular, a well balanced menopause diet is important to stabilize your situation and prevent weight gain. Learn more at Menopause Symptoms.