Diabetes affects people of all sexes, but some issues are especially important for women, including pregnancy, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), urinary or vaginal infections, and changes in diabetes risk across the life course.
Diabetes means that blood glucose (blood sugar) is too high. Over time, high glucose can damage blood vessels and nerves and raise the risk of heart disease, kidney disease, vision problems, and other complications.
The Main Types of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system destroys the pancreatic cells that make insulin. People with type 1 diabetes need insulin every day.
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes develops when the body does not use insulin effectively and, over time, may not make enough insulin. It is the most common type of diabetes. Genetics, age, body weight, physical activity, sleep, some health conditions, and other factors can all affect risk.
Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy in someone who did not already have diabetes. It often causes no obvious symptoms, which is why routine testing during pregnancy is important. According to the CDC, screening is commonly done between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy, although earlier testing may be recommended for some people.
Common Symptoms of Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes can develop slowly and may cause few or no symptoms at first. Type 1 diabetes often develops more quickly.
- Increased thirst
- Urinating more often
- Unexplained weight loss
- Increased hunger
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Sores that heal slowly
- Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
- More frequent infections
These symptoms do not prove that someone has diabetes. Diagnosis requires blood testing.
Are There Diabetes Symptoms That Are More Noticeable in Women?
Some women with poorly controlled blood glucose may experience recurrent vaginal yeast infections or urinary tract infections. However, these problems have many causes and should not be assumed to mean diabetes.
PCOS is also associated with insulin resistance and a higher risk of type 2 diabetes. Women with PCOS may need earlier or more frequent diabetes screening depending on their individual risk factors. For a focused explanation of PCOS symptoms, fertility, treatment, and metabolic risk, see our PCOS (PMOS) guide.
Who Is at Higher Risk of Type 2 Diabetes?
Risk is higher in people who have factors such as:
- Prediabetes
- A close family history of type 2 diabetes
- Overweight or obesity, especially when combined with other risk factors
- Low levels of physical activity
- PCOS
- A history of gestational diabetes
- High blood pressure or abnormal cholesterol levels
- A history of cardiovascular disease
- Older age
Risk also varies among racial and ethnic groups because of a complex mix of genetic, social, environmental, economic, and healthcare-access factors. It is more accurate to view ethnicity as one part of risk assessment rather than a cause by itself.
Diabetes and Pregnancy
Women with type 1 or type 2 diabetes can have healthy pregnancies, but planning matters. Blood glucose that is very high before or during pregnancy can increase risks for both the pregnant person and the baby.
If you have diabetes and are considering pregnancy, speak with your diabetes and pregnancy-care team before trying to conceive. Your medicines may need review, and glucose targets during pregnancy are different from those used outside pregnancy.
Do not stop insulin or diabetes medicine on your own because you are pregnant or planning pregnancy.
What Happens After Gestational Diabetes?
Gestational diabetes usually improves after delivery, but it increases the chance of developing type 2 diabetes later. Follow-up blood glucose testing after pregnancy is important, along with longer-term screening as recommended by your clinician.
How Is Diabetes Diagnosed?
Healthcare professionals use blood tests such as A1C, fasting plasma glucose, or an oral glucose tolerance test. A single abnormal test may need confirmation unless symptoms and glucose levels clearly indicate diabetes.
If you have symptoms or important risk factors, ask a healthcare professional whether testing is appropriate for you.
How Is Diabetes Managed?
Treatment depends on the type of diabetes and the person’s health needs.
- Type 1 diabetes: insulin is essential.
- Type 2 diabetes: healthy eating, physical activity, weight management when appropriate, and medicines may all be used.
- Gestational diabetes: nutrition, safe activity, glucose monitoring, and sometimes medication such as insulin may be needed.
Blood pressure, cholesterol, kidney health, eye health, foot health, vaccinations, and smoking status are also important parts of diabetes care.
When to Seek Urgent Care
Seek urgent medical help if high blood sugar is accompanied by repeated vomiting, severe dehydration, deep or rapid breathing, confusion, severe weakness, fruity-smelling breath, or loss of consciousness. These can be signs of diabetic ketoacidosis or another serious hyperglycemic emergency.
Severe low blood sugar causing seizure, unconsciousness, or inability to swallow safely is also an emergency.
Reliable Sources
- NIDDK: What Is Diabetes?
- NIDDK: Type 2 Diabetes
- CDC: Gestational Diabetes
- American Diabetes Association: Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026
This article is for general education and does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment. If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or taking diabetes medicine, discuss treatment decisions with a qualified healthcare professional.