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What\u2019s the link between menopause and diabetes?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Menopause triggers major hormonal changes, which can make your body more resistant to insulin<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Levels of estrogen and progesterone drop steeply once a woman hits menopause, which can make blood glucose (blood sugar) levels increase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Menopause typically occurs around age 50 for most women. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Being 45 years or older is a risk factor for developing diabetes by itself, so combining older age and fluctuating hormones can increase the risk of diabetes in menopausal women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Older age is associated with a natural decrease in metabolism, meaning the body stores more energy and burns less than it used to. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A slowing metabolism can result in weight gain and increased fat tissue, which can trigger insulin resistance and the progression to type 2 diabetes<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Older women might not be as active as they were in their younger years, which is another risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Being physically active helps the body respond to insulin more effectively, helping to keep blood sugar levels normal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Researchers are still on the fence as to how much menopause might cause<\/em> diabetes or increase the risk of diabetes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Instead, studies suggest<\/a> that aging and a change in sex hormones, regardless of menopausal status, are most likely to blame for any increased diabetes risk. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, experiencing early menopause<\/a> (between age 40-44) has been associated with an increased prevalence of type 2 diabetes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The changing hormone levels leading up to menopause (perimenopause) are associated with several common symptoms, most notably: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Women with existing diabetes face several challenges once they hit menopause. Some things that might make managing your diabetes more difficult once you hit menopause include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The changing hormones during menopause might make you more likely to gain weight, especially around your middle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Menopause isn\u2019t all to blame, though. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A lot of the reason women gain weight around menopause is due to natural changes in metabolism with aging, as well as decreased activity level. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Aging is also associated with a loss of muscle mass and increased fat mass, regardless of menopausal status. If your family tends to carry more weight around their middle, you\u2019ll be more likely to gain weight around your midsection as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fluctuations in hormones during menopause can cause blood sugar changes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You might notice your blood sugar levels are harder to control when you go through menopause. Weight gain can make the body more resistant to insulin<\/a>, the hormone that helps lower blood sugar. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The natural decline in estrogen levels during menopause can lead to vaginal dryness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Vaginal dryness makes it easier for bacteria to thrive, which might lead to an increased prevalence of urinary tract infections (UTIs). <\/p>\n\n\n\n Infections<\/a> can raise blood sugar levels and should be treated by a healthcare provider. Find out 9 Ways To Prevent A UTI<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Menopause can result in hot flashes, making it difficult to get a good night\u2019s sleep.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sleep disturbances and poor sleep can worsen insulin resistance, making it more difficult to control blood sugar levels. A decrease in estrogen and associated vaginal dryness can make sexual intercourse more painful. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Diabetes can impact sexual health on its own, which can exacerbate the issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Managing menopause and diabetes can be challenging. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, there are several things you can do to help manage the potentially negative side effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the best ways to help promote a healthy weight and healthy blood sugar levels is to focus on sustainable lifestyle changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Aim for a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean protein. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A Mediterranean diet<\/a> has several health benefits, including a reduced risk of heart disease<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Increasing age and diabetes can both increase your heart disease risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is why it\u2019s important to eat a heart-healthy diet. Added sugars contribute empty calories (calories with minimal nutritional value) and can worsen insulin resistance<\/a>, as well as contribute to weight gain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Aim to keep your added sugar intake below 25 grams per day. Keep your eye out for hidden sugars in foods like soups, condiments, yogurts, and cereals. Being active<\/a> helps improve blood sugar levels and can help with weight management. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Aim to get 30 minutes or moderate intensity exercise most days of the week; walking, swimming, biking, gardening, or anything you enjoy that gets your heart pumping is a great choice! Fluctuating blood sugar levels can make it harder to reach your blood glucose targets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Checking your blood sugar<\/a> upon waking, 1-2 hours after meals, and at bedtime can help you and your healthcare provider identify when blood sugar levels are too high or too low. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Your medication or other aspects of your diabetes treatment plan might need to be adjusted when you\u2019re managing both menopause and diabetes. Some women choose to undergo hormone therapy to help ease some of the menopause symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Hormone therapy might help improve blood sugar levels<\/a>, but whether or not it\u2019s considered safe is dependent on each woman managing menopause and diabetes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So you should discuss it in-depth with a healthcare provider. If you\u2019re suffering from vaginal dryness during sex, your healthcare provider may recommend a lubricant to help ease the discomfort. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If weight gain is your concern, consider consulting with a Registered Dietitian or a fitness trainer to help identify some goals and make a plan to help optimize lifestyle changes. There is help available to make you as comfortable as possible while you undergo the changes during menopause while also managing your diabetes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Perimenopause is the period of time leading up to menopause, the natural decline in reproductive hormones a woman experiences around age 50. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Hitting menopause causes many changes in a woman\u2019s body, which can also impact her diabetes risk or blood sugar control if she already has diabetes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Aging and going through menopause can increase the risk of developing diabetes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet and being more active, checking blood sugar levels more often, and working closely with your healthcare provider can help you manage menopause and diabetes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Know that you\u2019re not alone, and there are treatment options available to help as you transition into this new phase of life, which impacts women as they get older.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSymptoms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
What to expect if you have both<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Weight gain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Genetic factors also play a role in menopausal weight gain<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\nChanges in blood sugar levels<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You might also notice your blood sugar levels increasing if you gain weight during menopause. <\/p>\n\n\n\nIncreased urinary tract infections<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Women with diabetes are already at greater risk of developing UTIs, so dealing with menopause and diabetes can really increase this risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"how](\"https:\/\/blog.bensnaturalhealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/How-to-Prevent-UTI-9-Top-Tips-1-1024x256.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nSleep disruptions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\nSexual changes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What you can do to manage them<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Lifestyle changes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Diet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Cutting back on added sugars is another helpful strategy to manage both menopause and diabetes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\nPhysical activity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\nCheck your blood sugar more often<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\nConsider hormone therapy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\nSeek help for other menopausal symptoms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Whatever the symptom, know that millions of other women experience it too. <\/p>\n\n\n\nConclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Explore More<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"menopause](\"https:\/\/blog.bensnaturalhealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/menopause-tips-for-husbands-1024x217.jpg\")
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