Patient with diabetes since the age of 6 talks about how women suffer impacts beyond the disease, especially on self-esteem
Diabetes affects men and women, but women predominate among patients affected by the disease. According to the Study of the Observatory on Primary Health Care, carried out by Umane, women represent 57% of people with hypertension and diabetes in the main Brazilian capitals.
Furthermore, worrying data reveal that in the last 15 years, cases of diabetes among women have increased by 54%.
Diabetic women, however, face not only the challenges posed by the condition, but also specific health problems that impact their self-esteem and quality of life.
Challenges beyond the disease
Beatriz Scher, 30, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 6 and is sharing with others through social media the challenges she has faced due to her condition.
“The main difficulty I face is during the menstrual cycle. Blood sugar becomes more difficult to control due to insulin resistance and increased sensitivity. Many women also face the shame of using devices such as insulin pumps, which can affect their self-esteem,” he says.
According to her, some women are ashamed to take insulin in public or for cosmetic reasons related to weight gain. The influencer also highlights diabulimia, a serious problem in which women skip insulin to lose weight, putting their lives at risk.
Another aggravating factor that Beatriz raises is the discouragement that women with diabetes have to get pregnant, as this can be a risky pregnancy. “We should not give up, but rather look for doctors who support our goals. Diabetes should not be an obstacle, but rather some people’s lack of knowledge. Find someone who can help you achieve your dreams,” she emphasizes.
Specific devices for diabetic women
Today Beatriz dedicates her life to helping other people suffering from the same medical condition. The influencer and entrepreneur has developed new products such as bikinis with space for an insulin pump, diabetic leg lingerie and other items to help her community overcome self-esteem issues and feel more confident.
Through the Biabética online store, Beatriz offers accessories that go beyond the norm because they are personalized, fun and functional for people with diabetes. This was a relaxed way of addressing a growing problem among the Brazilian female population.
Prevention of diabetes
More than 13 million Brazilians live with diabetes, indicates the Brazilian Diabetes Society (SBD). These data are alarming from a public health perspective, as the disease represents a risk factor for a number of complications. Therefore, when it comes to this pathology, prevention is always the best way.
The teacher of the Nutrition course at the Faculdade Anhanguera, Juliane Casas, explains that type 2 diabetes (where the body is unable to use the insulin it produces) is the most common and can be avoided.
According to Juliana, maintaining a healthy and balanced diet, reducing sweets and rich in fruit and vegetables, is a good strategy.
Furthermore, in the case of obese people, losing weight is a good solution to control blood sugar levels. In fact, it is worth underlining that adopting a healthy diet does not depend on whether or not you have the disease, or whether or not you are overweight.
«People end up unduly associating a high body weight with the need for a healthy diet, but it is important to underline that everyone, whether or not suffering from obesity or diabetes, needs to follow a balanced diet and also practice physical activity. This is not only to lose weight, but to have long-term health, especially in old age”, recommends the nutritionist.
Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
