Diabetes

“Managing diabetes whilst going through menopause
can feel like a twin challenge for most women due to
the combined effects that each condition can have…”.1

Umbrella
What may the Diabetes Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Adult-Onset Diabetes
  • Diabetes
  • Diabetes Mellitus (DM)
  • Diabetes Type 1
  • Diabetes Type 2
  • Type 1 Diabetes
  • Type 2 Diabetes

Definition

What is diabetes?

DotS the definition of diabetes may vary. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) definition is:

“Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar”.2

The International Diabetes Federation’s (IDF) definition is:

“Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas is no longer able to make insulin, or when the body cannot make good use of the insulin it produces”.3

Insulin

What is insulin?

DotS the definition of insulin may vary. The IDF’s definition is:

“Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas, that acts like a key to let glucose from the food we eat pass from the blood stream into the cells in the body to produce energy. All carbohydrate foods are broken down into glucose in the blood. Insulin helps glucose get into the cells.

Not being able to produce insulin or use it effectively leads to raised glucose levels in the blood (known as hyperglycaemia). Over the long-term high glucose levels are associated with damage to the body and failure of various organs and tissues”.4

Types

What are two common types of diabetes?

Two common types of diabetes are:

Two Common Types of Diabetes

  • Type 1 Diabetes
  • Type 2 Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes

What is type 1 diabetes?

DotS the definition of type 1 diabetes may vary. In Diabetes: Type 1 Diabetes the WHO’s definition is:

“Type 1 diabetes (previously known as insulin-dependent, juvenile or childhood-onset) is characterized by deficient insulin production and requires daily administration of insulin”.5

In About Diabetes: What Is Diabetes – Types of Diabetes the IDF’s definition is:

  • “Type 1 diabetes can develop at any age, but occurs most frequently in children and adolescents. When you have type 1 diabetes, your body produces very little or no insulin, which means that you need daily insulin injections to maintain blood glucose levels under control”.6

How common is type 1 diabetes?

In What Is Diabetes? How Common Is Diabetes? the (United States) National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease’s (NIDDK) note:

“As of 2015, 30.3 million people in the United States, or 9.4 percent of the population, had diabetes. More than 1 in 4 of them didn’t know they had the disease. Diabetes affects 1 in 4 people over the age of 65. About 90-95 percent of cases in adults are type 2 diabetes”.7

Type 2 Diabetes

What is type 2 diabetes?

DotS the definition of type 2 diabetes may vary. In Diabetes: Type 2 Diabetes the WHO’s definition is:

“Type 2 diabetes (formerly called non-insulin-dependent, or adult-onset) results from the body’s ineffective use of insulin. More than 95% of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. This type of diabetes is largely the result of excess body weight and physical inactivity”.8

In About Diabetes: What Is Diabetes – Types of Diabetes the IDF’s definition is:

  • “Type 2 diabetes is more common in adults and accounts for around 90% of all diabetes cases. When you have type 2 diabetes, your body does not make good use of the insulin that it produces. The cornerstone of type 2 diabetes treatment is healthy lifestyle, including increased physical activity and healthy diet. However, over time most people with type 2 diabetes will require oral drugs and/or insulin to keep their blood glucose levels under control”.9

What causes type 2 diabetes?

In Type 2 Diabetes: What Causes Type 2 Diabetes? Diabetes Australia elaborate on:

“Diabetes runs in the family. If you have a family member with diabetes, you have a genetic disposition to the condition.

While people may have a strong genetic disposition towards type 2 diabetes, the risk is greatly increased if people display a number of modifiable lifestyle factors including high blood pressure, being overweight, not being active enough, eating a poor diet and having the classic ‘apple shape’ body where extra weight is carried around the waist”.10

Women

Is there an association between women and diabetes?

In Diabetes Hits Women Hard At Menopause: Beat It Back the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) elaborate on:

“Diabetes hits women hard, especially at midlife. In the United States, it’s the number 6 killer of women ages 45 to 54 and the number 4 killer of women ages 55 to 64. What’s more, diabetes increases your risk of heart disease, stroke, and many other serious conditions, including blindness, kidney disease, and nerve disease”.11

Menopause

Is there an association between menopause and diabetes?

In Menopause and Diabetes the (United Kingdom) Diabetes.co.uk note:

“Managing diabetes whilst going through menopause can feel like a twin challenge for most women due to the combined effects that each condition can have on the body.

The best way to remain in control is by knowing what to expect so that you can prepare yourself for the unique challenges that may lie ahead”.12

In Consumer Health: Diabetes and Menopause: Diabetes and Menopause: What To Expect the (United States) Mayo Clinic elaborate on:

“The hormones estrogen and progesterone affect how your cells respond to insulin. After menopause, changes in your hormone levels can trigger fluctuations in your blood sugar level. You may notice that your blood sugar level changes more than before, and it goes up and down. If your blood sugar gets out of control, you have a higher risk of diabetes complications”.13

In Consumer Health: Diabetes and Menopause: Diabetes and Menopause: What To Expect the Mayo Clinic also note:

Diabetes“After menopause, hot flashes and night sweats can keep you up at night. In turn, the sleep deprivation can make it tougher to manage your blood sugar level”.14

Heart Disease

Is there an association between heart disease and diabetes?

In Menopause and Diabetes: How Can I Better Manage Menopause and Diabetes? Get Assessed for Heart Disease Risk Diabetes.co.uk note:

“Menopause triggers metabolic changes that can cause your weight to increase. For women with diabetes, weight gain can elevate their risk of heart disease even more, as well as complicating management of blood sugar levels.

Ask your doctor about regular blood pressure and cholesterol screening as both health factors are important for controlling diabetes and heart disease risk, but can be affected by menopause”.15

Prevention

How may type 2 diabetes be prevented?

In Care & Prevention: Type 2 Diabetes Prevention the IDF elaborate on:

“Randomised controlled trials from different parts of the world, including Finland, USA, China and India, have established the that lifestyle modification with physical activity and/or healthy diet can delay or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes”.16

In Prevention: Type 2 Diabetes Australia elaborate on:

“Evidence, including large-scale randomised control trials, shows type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed in up to 58 per cent of cases by maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active and following a healthy eating plan.

People at risk of type 2 diabetes can delay and even prevent the condition by:

  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Regular physical activity
  • Making healthy food choices
  • Managing blood pressure
  • Managing cholesterol levels
  • Not smoking”.17

Health Care Provider

What if I think I have diabetes?

If you think you have diabetes, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.

In Preventing and Treating Diabetes the American Heart Association explain:

“Diabetes can be successfully managed. Work with your health care team to set personal goals. And be sure to monitor your critical health numbers, including your:

  • Blood sugar level
  • Weight
  • Blood cholesterol level
  • Blood pressure

Taking these steps may also help prevent serious complications that can arise from diabetes”.18

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics related to Diabetes?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Diabetes?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

New or Updated

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  5. Beyondtype1.org
  6. Black Women’s Health Imperative Releases 2022 National Diabetes Agenda
  7. CYL2 Change Your Lifestyle. Change Your Life [+ Video] 
  8. Common Terms
  9. Consumer Health: 10 Ways To Prevent Diabetes Complications
  10. Consumer Health: Alcohol, Tobacco and Diabetes
  11. Consumer Health: Diabetes and Menopause
  12. Consumer Health: Diabetes and Sweets
  13. Consumer Health: What Is A ‘Diabetes Diet?’
  14. Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Science Conversation: Science In 5: Episode #46 – Diabetes & COVID-19
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  24. Diabetes Basics
  25. Diabetes Care During Emergencies
  26. Diabetes Care: 10 Ways To Avoid Complications
  27. Diabetes Meal Planning
  28. Diabetes Mellitus [Topics]
  29. Diabetes Myths and Facts
  30. Diabetes Overview: What Is Diabetes?
  31. Diabetes Stigma: Learn About It, Recognize It, Reduce It
  32. Diabetes Technology
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  34. Diabetes Type 1 – Multiply Languages
  35. Diabetes Type 2
  36. Diabetes Type 2 – Multiply Languages
  37. Diabetes and Dementia Risk: Another Good Reason To Keep Blood Sugar In Check
  38. Diabetes and Digestion
  39. Diabetes and Mental Health
  40. Diabetes and Women
  41. Diabetes and Your Heart
  42. Diabetes – Multiply Languages
  43. Diabetes.org [American Diabetes Association]
  44. Diabetes.org.uk [Diabetes UK [United Kingdom]]
  45. Diabetesaustralia.com.au
  46. Diabetic Diet
  47. Diabetic Eye Problems
  48. Diabetic Retinopathy
  49. Diabetes and Vision Loss
  50. Disability and Diabetes Prevention
  51. Does Menopause Increase Risk for Type 2 Diabetes?
  52. Doihaveprediabetes.org Do I Have Prediabetes? United States]
  53. Family Health History and Diabetes
  54. Fiber: The Carb That Helps You Manage Diabetes
  55. Food, Diet and Recipes
  56. Get Moving To Manage Your Diabetes
  57. Healthy Food Choices Made Easy: Eat Good To Feel Good
  58. How To Follow A Diabetes-Friendly Diet
  59. How To Lower Your Blood Sugar Naturally
  60. Info In Different Languages
  61. Information In Your Language
  62. International Diabetes Federation
  63. I’ve Been Diagnosed With Prediabetes. What Does That Mean?
  64. KnowDiabetesbyHeart
  65. Living Well With Diabetes
  66. Managing Diabetes In the Heat
  67. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Diabetes Risk In Hispanic People
  68. Mayo Clinic Q and A: How Does Diabetes Affect the Heart?
  69. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Putting Your Best Foot Forward With Diabetes
  70. Meal Prep To Better Manage Your Diabetes
  71. Menopause and Type 2 Diabetes: What’s the Link and How to Reduce the Risk
  72. Menopause and Diabetes
  73. Menopause and Diabetes: EMAS Clinical Guide [European Menopause and Andropause Society]
  74. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Diabetes
  75. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Diabetes and Dietary Supplements
  76. National Diabetes Prevention Program [United States]
  77. National Diabetes Week 2022 [10-16 July 2022, Australia]
  78. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Diabetes
  79. Prediabetes: You Could Be That 1 In 3
  80. Preventing Type 2 Diabetes
  81. Sleep for A Good Cause
  82. Smoking and Diabetes
  83. Statins and Diabetes: What You Should Know
  84. Takediabetes2heart.com.au [TakeDiadetesToHeart]
  85. The Effects of Diabetes on Your Brain
  86. The Importance of Diagnosing, Treating Diabetes In the Hispanic Population In the US [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network. Name Super/CG: Richard O. White, M.D./Community Medicine/Mayo Clinic]
  87. The Importance of Self-Care for Diabetes Management
  88. Type 1 Diabetes: Let’s Fight Type 1 Diabetes Together
  89. Type 1 Diabetes: What Is Type 1 Diabetes? [+ Video]
  90. Type 2 Diabetes: Newly Diagnosed With Type 2 Diabetes [+ Video]
  91. Type 2 Diabetes: What Is Type 2 Diabetes? [+ Video]
  92. Vegetarian Diet: Can It Help Me Control My Diabetes?
  93. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: Menopause and Diabetes
  94. Webinars: Previous – The Heart of the Matter
  95. Weight Loss: Lose Weight for Good
  96. What Is A Healthy, Balanced Diet for Diabetes?
  97. What Is Diabetes?
  98. Where Diabetes Meets Depression
  99. Women and Diabetes [+ Video: How Does Diabetes Affect Women Differently?]
  100. World Diabetes Day [14 November]
    Diabetes

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Diabetes and Menopause. Written: 15 January 2019. Reviewed: 15 January 2023. Diabetes.co.uk https://www.diabetes.co.uk/menopause-and-diabetes.html Accessed: 27 February 2023
  2. Diabetes: Overview. 16 September 2022. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes Accessed: 27 February 2023
  3. About Diabetes: What Is Diabetes. Last Update: 16 January 2023. International Diabetes Federation https://www.idf.org/aboutdiabetes/what-is-diabetes.html Accessed: 27 February 2023
  4. About Diabetes: What Is Diabetes. Last Update: 16 January 2023. International Diabetes Federation https://www.idf.org/aboutdiabetes/what-is-diabetes.html Accessed: 27 February 2023
  5. Diabetes: Type 1 Diabetes. 16 September 2022. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes Accessed: 27 February 2023
  6. About Diabetes: What Is Diabetes – Types of Diabetes. Last Update 16 January 2023. International Diabetes Federation https://www.idf.org/aboutdiabetes/what-is-diabetes.html Accessed: 27 February 2023
  7. What Is Diabetes? How Common Is Diabetes? December 2016. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/what-is-diabetes Accessed: 27 February 2023
  8. Diabetes: Type 2 Diabetes. 16 September 2022. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes Accessed: 27 February 2023
  9. About Diabetes: What Is Diabetes – Types of Diabetes. Last Update 16 January 2023. International Diabetes Federation https://www.idf.org/aboutdiabetes/what-is-diabetes.html Accessed: 27 February 2023
  10. Type 2 Diabetes. What Causes Type 2 Diabetes? Diabetes Australia https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/about-diabetes/type-2-diabetes/ Accessed: 27 February 2023
  11. Diabetes Hits Women Hard At Menopause: Beat It Back. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopauseflashes/bone-health-and-heart-health/diabetes-hits-women-hard-at-menopause-beat-it-back Accessed: 27 February 2023
  12. Diabetes and Menopause. Written: 15 January 2019. Reviewed: 15 January 2023. Diabetes.co.uk https://www.diabetes.co.uk/menopause-and-diabetes.html Accessed: 27 February 2023
  13. Consumer Health: Diabetes and Menopause. 16 November 2021. Mayo Clinic https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/consumer-health-diabetes-and-menopause/ Accessed: 27 February 2023
  14. Consumer Health: Diabetes and Menopause. 16 November 2021. Mayo Clinic https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/consumer-health-diabetes-and-menopause/ Accessed: 27 February 2023
  15. Consumer Health: Diabetes and Menopause: Diabetes and Menopause: What To Expect. Written: 15 January 2019. Last Reviewed: 25 January 2023. Diabetes.co.uk https://www.diabetes.co.uk/menopause-and-diabetes.html Accessed: 27 February 2023
  16. Care & Prevention: Type 2 Diabetes Prevention. Last Update 03 February 2020. International Diabetes Federation https://www.idf.org/our-activities/care-prevention/prevention.html Accessed: 27 February 2023
  17. Prevention: Type 2. Diabetes Australia https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/about-diabetes/prevention/ Accessed: 27 February 2023
  18. Preventing and Treating Diabetes. Last Reviewed: 05 May 2021. American Heart Association https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/diabetes/prevention–treatment-of-diabetes Accessed: 27 February 2023
Topic Last Updated: 27 February 2023 – Topic Last Reviewed: 27 February 2023

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