5 Quick Tips About PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) and Diabetes
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a disorder affecting approximately 10% of women worldwide. It typically begins during adolescence, but many never experience symptoms or receive an accurate diagnosis until they are trying to conceive. PCOS can cause serious complications if left untreated, so it is vital to be aware of warning signs and seek medical attention when necessary.
Here are five quick tips that may help individuals with PCOS manage their blood sugar levels:
1) Be Aware of the Links Between PCOS and Diabetes
One in ten women with PCOS have type 2 diabetes. The chronic inflammation associated with this condition causes resistance to insulin, which in turn triggers high blood sugar levels [hyperglycemia].
2) Know the Risks of Untreated PCOS
A significant percentage of women with PCOS are at increased risk for endometrial hyperplasia, endometrial cancer, gestational diabetes, and high blood pressure. If you suspect you may have PCOS or diabetes, please see your doctor as soon as possible. Early detection can help prevent complications from becoming severe.
3) Watch Your Carbohydrate Intake
Many people with type 2 diabetes take medications to reduce glucose production by the liver [DPP-4 Inhibitors], but there is a trade-off in that these drugs increase insulin resistance over time [TZDs]. Another option is a low carbohydrate diet . It has been shown to lower A1C levels, which can provide more blood glucose control with less medication.
4) Avoid Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Chronic alcohol use has been shown to reduce insulin sensitivity, exacerbating type 2 diabetes . It may also interfere with the effectiveness of other medications, including birth control pills .
5) Stay Active and Maintain a Healthy Weight
High doses of certain medications prescribed for PCOS are associated with weight gain ,so maintaining a healthy weight is an important part of treatment. Regular exercise can help manage high blood pressure and cholesterol levels linked to cardiovascular disease , as well as ward off depression caused by hormonal imbalances.
How do diabetes and PCOS affect pregnancy?
Diabetes and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) are two conditions that can affect a woman's chances of becoming pregnant, as well as her pregnancy.
For women with PCOS, not taking medications for their condition during pregnancy has been linked to problems for both mother and child. In some cases, however, treatment for PCOS must be continued during pregnancy to keep the health of the mother from worsening.
Women with diabetes have several options when it comes to medicine used during pregnancy to lower blood sugar levels. It is important that these medications are taken regularly and at the right dose in order to maintain a healthy pregnancy for both the baby and the mother-to-be.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is a condition that affects the reproductive system. Women with PCOS are more likely to have problems getting pregnant, as well as having complications during pregnancy. Symptoms for this syndrome usually show up around puberty and continue through the adult years. These symptoms may include irregular menstrual periods, weight gain, acne, excess hair growth, and thinning hair on the head. Usually women with PCOS produce higher-than-normal levels of hormones called androgens.
The exact cause of PCOS isn't known but certain factors increase your chance of developing it including being overweight or obese. It also tends to run in families so there could be a genetic component at play as well. Diabetes has been linked to PCOS, and women with diabetes tend to have more PCOS symptoms.
While medication isn't used during pregnancy to treat PCOS, some medications may be considered if you plan on becoming pregnant. A medication called clomiphene is sometimes prescribed by a healthcare provider for infertility issues in women with PCOS that want to become pregnant. This medicine is usually started about 1-2 months before trying to conceive and taken daily until ovulation occurs. Side effects of this medicine include hot flushes, mood changes, weight gain and abdominal pain. It is best to speak with your healthcare provider before taking any new medications or supplements while pregnant as some medications should not be taken during pregnancy such as clomiphene.
Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that happens during pregnancy. This can be harmful to both the mother and baby, so it's important to find out early if you have this condition.
Your healthcare provider may recommend some dietary changes or prescribe medication to help keep your blood sugar within a healthy range throughout your pregnancy. It is important that you follow your doctor's recommendations carefully in order to ensure the best outcome for you and your child.
While gestational diabetes usually goes away after giving birth, women who had gestational diabetes are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later on in life. Women who gave birth after having gestational diabetes should talk with their doctor about getting tested for type 2 diabetes 6-12 weeks after giving birth. If you have a family history of type 2 diabetes, your doctor may want to check for diabetes at an earlier age as well.
If you have been diagnosed with either form of diabetes prior to conception, speak with your healthcare provider about the safest and most effective treatment plan during pregnancy. There are many different types of medications that can be used during pregnancy to help manage your blood sugar levels including insulin injections. It is important not to make any changes in medication without speaking with your healthcare provider first as this could affect the health of both mother and child.
Having a chronic condition such as diabetes or PCOS before becoming pregnant increases a woman's risk for having complications during pregnancy including preeclampsia which is a serious condition characterized by high blood pressure and protein in your urine. Women who are diagnosed with gestational diabetes are also more likely to have bigger babies which can lead to problems during delivery.
If you are planning on becoming pregnant, it is best to take steps before getting pregnant to reduce the chance of having complications during pregnancy. This includes taking steps to manage any chronic conditions you may have such as diabetes or PCOS. It is also important not to smoke or drink alcohol during pregnancy, both of these activities can cause harmful effects for the developing baby.
There has been some evidence that suggests that women with PCOS who become pregnant naturally may be at an increased risk for pregnancy-related complications such as preeclampsia and c-section. Because of this a woman with PCOS may be advised to have her baby via c-section if they are already diagnosed with PCOS or have gestational diabetes.
If you suspect that you might be pregnant, it is important to speak with your doctor before trying to conceive as some medications such as insulin injections and diabetic pills can cause birth defects when taken during pregnancy. Medication for conditions such as PCOS may need to be adjusted depending on the severity of your condition and your desire to become pregnant. Diabetic medication may need to be altered during pregnancy so speak with your healthcare provider about what is best for you and your child while pregnant.
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