Diabetes in Women: Subtle Symptoms You Might Miss

11 Oct 2025

Diabetes is often thought of as a condition that affects everyone in the same way, but women can experience unique symptoms and complications. Because these signs can be mild or mistaken for everyday issues like fatigue or hormonal changes, diabetes in women sometimes goes undiagnosed for years.

Here’s how to recognise the subtle warning signs and when it’s time to get checked.

Understanding Diabetes

Diabetes occurs when the body can’t properly regulate blood sugar levels. This happens either because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin (Type 1 diabetes) or because the body becomes resistant to insulin (Type 2 diabetes).

Over time, uncontrolled blood sugar can damage blood vessels, nerves, and organs — but early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications.

Why Diabetes Can Be Different in Women

Hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone influence how the body uses insulin, which can make symptoms less obvious or more variable. Women are also more prone to certain diabetes-related complications, including heart disease, urinary infections, and fertility issues.

Common but Overlooked Symptoms

While the classic symptoms of diabetes — increased thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue — affect both men and women, some signs are more specific or easily missed in women:

• Recurrent thrush or urinary tract infections (UTIs) – High blood sugar creates an environment for infections to thrive.
• Unexplained fatigue – Caused by glucose not being converted efficiently into energy.
• Increased hunger or thirst – Especially when not linked to physical activity.
• Blurred vision – Due to fluctuating blood sugar affecting eye lenses.
• Slow wound healing – Cuts and sores that take longer to improve.
• Unexplained weight changes – Particularly weight loss despite normal eating.
• Menstrual changes or irregular periods – Linked to hormonal disruption.

If you’ve noticed several of these symptoms, consider booking a Diabetes Blood Test to check your glucose and HbA1c levels.

Risk Factors for Diabetes in Women

You’re more likely to develop diabetes if you:

• Have a family history of diabetes
• Are overweight, especially around the abdomen
• Have had gestational diabetes during pregnancy
• Live a sedentary lifestyle
• Have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Are over the age of 40

Even if you feel healthy, risk-based testing can catch problems early.

Why Early Detection Matters

Women with undiagnosed or poorly controlled diabetes are at higher risk of:

• Heart disease – The leading cause of diabetes-related deaths.
• Kidney disease – From long-term strain on filtration systems.
• Nerve damage (neuropathy) – Causing pain, tingling, or numbness.
• Eye problems (retinopathy) – Which can affect vision.
• Fertility issues and pregnancy complications – Including miscarriage and gestational diabetes.

Early diagnosis allows treatment to begin before these complications develop.

How Diabetes is Diagnosed

Diagnosis is straightforward and involves blood testing. The key checks include:

• Fasting glucose test – Measures sugar levels after fasting.
• HbA1c test – Assesses average blood sugar over three months.
• Urine test – Detects sugar or protein as markers of imbalance.

At South Kensington Medical & Dental, we offer Diabetes Profile Tests with fast results and tailored GP follow-up.

Managing Diabetes

Diabetes management focuses on balancing diet, exercise, and, when needed, medication.

Lifestyle changes:

• Eat balanced meals with whole grains, lean proteins, and fibre.
• Limit sugary drinks and refined carbohydrates.
• Exercise regularly to improve insulin sensitivity.
• Maintain a healthy weight.

Medical care:

• Regular blood sugar monitoring.
• Medication or insulin (if prescribed).
• Annual blood and eye checks to prevent complications.

Your Private GP can help create a personalised plan based on your health and lifestyle.

Final Thoughts

Diabetes can be silent — especially in women. Understanding the subtle symptoms and getting tested early can prevent serious complications and improve quality of life.