Women’s Web is saying Goodbye! Please make sure you read this important notification.
Yesterday, November 14th is mostly known for being Children’s Day. When I was in school (seems like a long time ago!) along with birthdays and holidays this was a much awaited day! What fun – with teachers putting up skits and dance performances, kids running around in their best colour dresses , no classes AND lots of free chocolates to stuff one s face with Maybe that is why, by some twisted plan of the universe, it has also been chosen as World Diabetes Day!
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder, where there is too much unused/unusable sugar in the human body. This is either because there is insufficient insulin produced by the pancreas, which is known as Type 1 Diabetes or Juvenile Diabetes as this can affect even small children. Alternatively it could also be because insulin is not used properly by the body, which is Type 2 Diabetes, commonly affecting older people. The third type is Gestational Diabetes and this affects pregnant women.
One of my friends, Shireen who has a cute little girl baby now, says that it was the most dreadful phase of her life. Added to the vagaries of pregnancy, she had to also contend with umpteen dietary restrictions; but according to her the worst part was to have to constantly monitor my blood glucose level on the glucometer and inject myself with insulin accordingly especially because Shireen used to be terrified of needles and injections!
Gestational diabetes flares up during the later stages of pregnancy and generally disappears once the baby is born. But women who develop gestational diabetes are more prone to acquire it again at a later stage in life. Though the cause is unknown yet, it seems to be hereditary.
Increased thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger, fatigue and non-healing wounds are some of the symptoms of diabetes. If left untreated, the immune system is weakened; blood flow to the various organs is compromised hence impairing their proper functioning due to which the limbs may develop gangrene. It is also a leading cause of blindness. In pregnant women, it may lead to complications such as premature labour, intrauterine deaths or a particularly large baby (macrosomia) which makes delivery a difficult process (as if it already isn t!)
There is no cure as such for diabetes. It can only be kept under control. Diet forms the basis of any treatment. Having 4-5 small meals instead of conventional three large meals, including lots of green leafy veggies, salads, nuts, whole meal breads and dairy products helps. Avoid smoking. Maintain an ideal body weight and mild exercises such as walking and Yoga, are also highly beneficial.
Awareness and a healthy lifestyle is an important part of living with diabetes. Discuss your concerns with your doctor, research and read up on the subject and connect with women who have had similar experiences.
Anne John loves to play with words and calls herself a reader, writer, explorer & dreamer. She has a wide range of interests and has recently jumped onto the Mommy Vlogger bandwagon! read more...
Stay updated with our Weekly Newsletter or Daily Summary - or both!
Dear Women’s Web Community Member,
You may have wondered at our being on the quieter side during the last couple of months. Thank you for your patience, and we wanted to come back to you with a detailed note on what’s been happening at our end of things.
When we first began Women’s Web, as a blog from one woman’s desk along with a few like-minded souls, little could we have imagined the heights that it would soar to. Over the years, Women’s Web has published over 20000 stories (almost all by women), empowered countless women with the ideas, community and resources to chase their dreams, employed hundreds of women in core and project-based roles, and in the process, emerged as the OG women’s community in India. It has also inspired many others to build communities of a similar nature, all enabling women (and other-underrepresented groups) in their own ways.
Please enter your email address