Diabetics and Menopause

A diabetic will suffer many more complications from various illnesses than someone who is otherwise healthy. This also holds true for menopause. When glucose levels are continuously uncontrolled, the chance of additional complication while the body is enduring such dramatic changes, is a great possibility.

Cholesterol  Control

The risk of cardiovascular disease increases to an all new level for a diabetic. This is also true for an individual going through menopause. Combining the two together, a diabetic going through menopause, makes a sure combination headed for disaster if the woman is not on top of a proper diet and exercise.  Keeping the cholesterol under proper control will substantially reduce any complications involving heart disease. Following a healthy diet low in saturated fat, and exercising on a daily basis, will keep cholesterol at a manageable level.

Checking Blood Sugar

When progesterone and estrogen fluctuates during menopause, a woman’s blood sugar may be out of sorts, as well. It is important to keep a close monitor of blood sugar by checking is regularly, and logging the results to share with your doctor. Take note of how your body feels when blood sugar levels are far from normal. Also, take note of how often such a feeling takes place, and if a previous meal had anything to do with the erratic blood sugar.

Diabetic Medication during Menopause

While monitoring blood glucose levels during menopause, a woman may find there is more of a fluctuation of numbers. Whatever medication was being taken before menopause, may not be the same medication, or dose of the medicine, needed while going through this time. Sharing a log of blood sugar levels may initiate a change of medication dosage, or a change of medication altogether, by your doctor.

Health Lifestyle

Even with the most optimal medication to control diabetes during menopause, and the best medication to remedy symptoms of menopause, neither may fully provide relief from either diabetes or menopause unless a healthier lifestyle is chosen. The importance of eating right and exercising cannot be expressed enough, as this is what is needed to control diabetes and cholesterol during the menopause years.  Taking a brisk walk every day, or a bike ride through the neighborhood, are simple ways to get the body moving as it becomes more receptive to the body changes ahead. With the proper diet and exercise, the body will better receive the symptoms of menopause, and blood sugar will be better controlled with or without medication.

Getting Help

If concerned about the diabetes control during the menopause years, a doctor can certainly advise what is right for you. There are many different medications available, some of which may work differently during menopause. Another avenue of help is the dietician. This type of specialist would know firsthand, what you should and should not include in a diet for diabetes, especially when going through midlife body changes.  Together, you can develop a suitable food plan that will be satisfying, while keeping you healthy. As a result, you will have more energy, look better, and feel great, even during the menopause years.