In few females having type 1 diabetes, the hormonal alterations that accompany menstruation might bring about modifications in the sugar levels. Monitoring levels and regulating insulin hence is fundamental for managing this monthly change. From cramps to mood swings, menstrual cycles are difficult, no matter how old a person is. And it might be even inferior when a person is young. A person has got all kinds of other hormonal as well as life modifications occurring at the same time. The good news is Type 1 diabetes must not have an effect on the daughter’s periods, for instance, how consistent or heavy they are. However, menstruation might bring about few alterations to blood glucose levels that a person both requires to look out for.

Diabetes: How Hormones Affect Blood Sugar

The same hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle might also impact the levels of blood sugar. Two or three days before menstruation, as estrogen as well as progesterone levels are alternating, a number of females, but not all, would observe that their insulin requirements enhance considerably as their blood sugar levels are spiking. If this occurs, levels generally reduce after their period starts. In addition, few females don’t experience menstrual cycle-associated modifications in their blood sugar levels, and others might only notice reduces in their blood sugar levels around the time of their menstrual cycle.

Diabetes: How Menstrual Cycle Can Be Affected

Besides, menstrual cycle impacting the capacity to regulate diabetes, having type 1 diabetes might have an effect on the menstrual cycle. Normally, females experiencing type 1 diabetes expect to begin their menstrual periods about a year later than females who are non-diabetic. And females who experience type 1 diabetes are two times as expected as people who don’t to have menstrual issues prior to 30 years of age. Particularly, having type 1 diabetes might enhance the chances of:

• Longer periods
• Longer menstrual cycles
• Earlier onset of menopause
• Heavier menstruation

Diabetes: Managing Changing Insulin Requirements

It is vital for a female to understand that she might require more insulin before her menstrual period, and must have a plan ready from her endocrinologist. Whether a female is using insulin injections or is on an insulin pump, there is a good possibility that she would require to enhance the insulin doses for 2-3 days prior to beginning the period. After reviewing the variations in the blood sugar levels all through the menstrual cycle, an endocrinologist might assist a female to decide what she requires doing to keep her blood sugar levels under control all month long. That way, a female might prevent those 5-7 days of continued high blood glucose levels, which might cause potential dehydration and other complications.

Normal premenstrual hormonal variations, together with variability in the sugar levels in the bloodstream, might also put a female at a greater risk of having nausea as well as cramping around the menstrual period. If this is the case, it is suggested that consumption of one or two ibuprofen (such as Motrin or Advil) as required to assist in relieving the uneasiness. Discuss with endocrinologist regarding how monthly hormonal variations might have an effect on diabetes management plan. A female might require to closely monitor the blood sugar levels in the days leading up to menstrual period for some months, until a female has a good idea of how insulin requires to react to varying hormone levels.

What a person can do?

The severity of PMS might differ from female to female. If the signs are serious, discuss with a doctor about medications that might assist such as birth control pills.

• If a female uses insulin, she might require a brief increase in the dose during this time to assist in keeping the blood glucose levels in a healthy range.
• Try to establish a consistent physical activity routine, such as aerobic (cardio) exercise, in addition to resistance or strength training.
• Opt for healthy food products, and restrict salty or sugary foods, caffeine, or alcohol, which might deteriorate signs.
• Get a sufficient amount of sleep (at least 8 hours each night).
• Find ways to better deal with stress, such as exercise, yoga, meditation, or massage.
• Dietary supplements including folic acid, vitamin E, magnesium, calcium, and vitamin B6 may assist in relieving signs, as might certain herbal supplements, including black cohosh, chasteberry, as well as evening primrose oil. But discuss with a doctor first prior to taking any of these.

Weight Gain Can Cause Irregular Periods

Although type 2 diabetes can occur in women who are not overweight, it is likely that if you are living with type 2 diabetes you are struggling with your weight. Weight loss can be challenging but not impossible for women with type 2 diabetes. Unlike type 1 diabetes where your body doesn’t produce enough insulin, if you are living with type 2 diabetes your body is resistant to insulin.

When you are overweight your excess fat or adipose tissue produces hormones that increase your insulin resistance. This insulin resistance then triggers your pancreas to produce more insulin. Although we don’t understand exactly how it happens, these increased insulin levels interact with the hormones that control your menstrual cycle. When your cyclic hormonal fluctuations are interrupted you will not ovulate and If you do not ovulate you will not have a regular period.

Your type 2 diabetes may be part of a condition called polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS. If you have PCOS, you have an imbalance in your ovarian hormone production. This imbalance prevents regular ovulation resulting in irregular menstrual cycles. This condition is also associated with elevated insulin levels due to overproduction of insulin because of underlying insulin resistance. Often, the more overweight you are, the less frequently you will ovulate and the more irregular your periods will become.

What’s best to consume when a female has period?

Hormone variations might also make a female feel hungrier, particularly for carbs, in the approach to and during menstrual period. This might be the case for any person, such as females with Type 1 diabetes. Carbohydrates such as sugary food as well as white bread can be taken. This may be as her serotonin levels (the ‘happiness hormone’) are low during menstrual cycle, and intake of food like this improves them. But boost her to adhere to healthier carbohydrates such as whole grain bread, as best she can. Getting enough exercise just before and during her period might aid in reducing blood glucose level and help daughter feel better emotionally as well.

Also read: Digestion issues and solutions