According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, roughly 23.6 million, or 7.8 percent of Americans, had some type of diabetes in 2007. Of that population, 17.9 million were confirmed cases while the remaining 5.7 million went undiagnosed or untreated. Of the total number, 11.5 were women over the age of 20 years who had confirmed cases; that's equivalent to 10 percent of American women. Estimates for 2010 are expected to rise, especially due to the prevalence of cases among the poor during dire economic times.
Type I
University of Washington Medicine describes the symptoms of Type I diabetes in women as extremely low blood sugar that comes on with accompanying signs such as nausea, cold sweats, and mental confusion. Symptoms can begin with the frequent need to urinate, excessive and unusual thirst, extreme hunger, unusual or unexplained weight loss, fatigue and irritability.
Type II
Type II diabetes can be asymptomatic, or otherwise unnoticed until a major emergency of illness occurs. Symptoms to look for early on include any of the symptoms listed for Type I, with the addition of frequent infections, blurred vision, cuts or bruises which are extremely slow to heal, a tingling or numbing sensation in the hands or feet, and recurring skin, gum or bladder infections.
Gestational
Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy, specifically when carrying larger babies. The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse posits that not all pregnant women will be symptomatic. However, for those that show signs of hypertension or fatigue these may be strong indicators. The doctor will order a fasting glucose test to find out for sure.
