So, you know a lot about diabetes. But, do you know how it impacts women?
1) Using birth control pills may increase the risk of complications for women with diabetes.
TRUE
FALSE
The answer is TRUE.
For women with diabetes, taking birth control pills can result in heightened blood glucose levels. Additionally, if used for more than a year, birth control pills can increase the risk of complications — such as worsening eye and kidney disease if you have high blood pressure.
(Source: American Diabetes Association)
1/8
Next
2) Women with diabetes should never drink alcohol.
TRUE
FALSE
The answer is FALSE.
Just because a woman has diabetes doesn’t mean she can’t drink alcohol at all. However, it should be consumed in moderation. One drink per day is what is recommended by the American Diabetes Association. And, that’s defined as 12 ounces of beer, 1 glass of wine, 1 jigger of alcohol and 12 ounces of a wine cooler.(Source: American Diabetes Association)
2/8
Next
3) Diabetes can negatively affect women’s sex life.
TRUE
FALSE
The answer is TRUE.
Having diabetes can adversely impact a woman’s sexual health. For example, her interest in sex might decrease, she might find that intercourse becomes uncomfortable (or even painful) or the amount of vaginal lubrication she produces might decrease.(Source: American Diabetes Association)
3/8
Next
4) Menopause has no effect on diabetes.
TRUE
FALSE
The answer is FALSE.
Menopause can lead to changes in hormone levels and balance. As a result, blood glucose levels can become elevated. Diabetes can also lead to premature menopause, which may increase a woman’s risk of cardiovascular disease.(Source: American Diabetes Association)
4/8
Next
5) Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women with diabetes.
TRUE
FALSE
The answer is TRUE.
For women with diabetes, heart disease is the leading cause of death. Compared to women who don’t have diabetes, they are twice as likely to suffer a second heart attack and four times more likely to experience heart failure.(Source: American Diabetes Association)
5/8
Next
6) A woman’s menstrual cycle can trigger changes in blood sugar.
TRUE
FALSE
The answer is TRUE.
Because hormone levels fluctuate during the menstrual cycle, it can be difficult for women with diabetes to keep their blood glucose levels in check the week before and the week during their period.
(Source: American Diabetes Association)
6/8
Next
7) Eating disorders are more common among women with diabetes.
TRUE
FALSE
The answer is TRUE.
According to research findings, it appears that eating disorders can be more common among women with diabetes than among those who do not have the disease. For those with type 1 diabetes, bulimia is the most common eating disorder, while binge eating is more common among women with type 2 diabetes. When paired with diabetes, eating disorders can cause serious—and even fatal—complications.(Source: American Diabetes Association)
7/8
Next
8) Women with diabetes are predisposed to developing recurrent yeast infections.
TRUE
FALSE
The answer is TRUE.
Because glucose—or sugar—is a catalyst for growing yeast within the body, women with diabetes are likely candidates for recurrent yeast infections.(Source: American Diabetes Association)
For every patient, diabetes brings a different experience. And so should the programs built to support them. To see how we do it, click here.

Women with Diabetes Study

Diabetes Blog Posts

Mind-Body Connection in Metabolic Diseases

The Power of Orange

Dangling Carrots

Do you know your risk?
Women  Diabetes: Understanding the Differences. Answering an Unmet Need.
Woman and Diabetes WhitePaper

For women with diabetes, life looks and feels very different. By understanding those differences and finding ways to address the unmet needs of these women through behaviorally-based patient support programs, brands can establish authentic connections and provide recognized value.

Download the whitepaper that provides specific guidance regarding how to build patient support programs that help women with diabetes build the confidence they need to live well.

orange:will
Our newest pro-bono initiative lets
you show your support for women
with diabetes online at orangewill.org.

Make your marketing more engaging. Contact Jessica Brueggeman, Director, Behavioral Services.
Mobile | Services | Our Experience | Our DNA | News & Views | Careers | Contact Us | Site Map | Privacy Policy
© MicroMass Communications Inc. 2012