Type 1 Diabetes Symptoms in Women

The reality is that early symptoms of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in women are not always as easy to detect as you may think. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the pancreas stops producing a hormone—insulin—that allows the body to draw energy from food. Its onset has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. There’s nothing you can do to prevent it and currently there is no cure.

Symptoms in women may occur suddenly

Type 1 diabetes symptoms in women—and men—generally come on quickly. The primary difference between the two is that women may experience vaginal yeast infections as a warning sign. Here are some warning signs that you may want to watch out for:

More frequent bathroom breaks
When your body is overloaded with too much sugar the result is feeling a need to urinate more often than normal.

Feeling very thirsty
The end result of urinating more frequently is dehydration, which means you may find yourself feeling extreme thirst. You may also experience itchy skin.

Hunger and drowsiness
If your body isn’t making enough insulin you won’t be able to get the energy you need from food. This can make you feel hungry and—understandably—lethargic.

Fruity or sweet-smelling breath
This occurs when you have high level of ketones in the blood, which can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis if left untreated.

Other symptoms of type 1 diabetes in women

Some other warning signs you should look out for include unexpected weight loss, blurred vision, labored breathing, and nausea or vomiting. Type 1 diabetes is a serious disease so it’s important to pay attention to your body, and to see a doctor if you think you’re experiencing any symptoms.