Living menopause with diabetes

• May 1, 2024

It is important that women with diabetes know that the menopause affects the levels of glucose in the blood. The hormones estrogen and progesterone make the menstrual cycle . They reduce the effect of insulin and encourage the liver to make glucose. Menopause changes this. The levels of estrogen and progesterone drop almost to zero.

Without these hormones, the action of insulin increases. Blood glucose can reach low levels that I was not used to. If you inject insulin for diabetes, menopause can affect the amount you need. As your body produces less estrogen and progesterone, you will need less insulin.

When menopause is complete, you probably need around 20% less insulin. If you have Type 2 diabetes, you may need lower doses of diabetes pills. It is also possible that menopause does not alter your insulin doses or diabetes pills.

Weight gain and lack of exercise will increase your need for insulin. This usually balances the fall in hormone levels. Bacteria and fungi cause vaginitis. They reproduce in sweet, warm and humid places. If your blood glucose levels are high, you are more likely to get fungal infections, even if you do not have menopause yet.

After menopause, when there is a lack of estrogen that nourishes and strengthens the lining of the vagina, fungi and bacteria make it even easier.