From PCOS and fertility challenges in young women to metabolic changes after menopause, gynaecologist stresses the need for early screening and better awareness of diabetes among women
Bengaluru, November 14, 2026: Diabetes is often discussed in the context of heart disease, kidney problems and other lifestyle-related complications. However, its impact on women’s reproductive and hormonal health is an aspect that does not receive enough attention and importance. From irregular menstrual cycles and difficulties with conception to complications during pregnancy and metabolic changes after menopause diabetes can influence a woman’s health at several stages of her life.
On the occasion of World Diabetes Day, Dr. Vidya V. Bhat, Gynaecologist and Infertility Specialist and Medical Director, Radhakrishna Multispeciality Hospital, Bengaluru draws attention to the close relationship between diabetes and women’s health. She points out that three areas need greater attention the impact of diabetes on reproductive health, the increased metabolic risks women may face around menopause and the growing association between PCOS, obesity and diabetes among younger women.
Diabetes and reproductive health are more closely linked than many women realise. When blood sugar levels remain uncontrolled that can affect the body’s hormonal balance, menstrual cycles and ovulation. This can sometimes make conception difficult. In women who are already diabetic, poor blood sugar control before and during pregnancy can also increase the risk of miscarriage, pregnancy-induced hypertension, pre-eclampsia and other maternal and foetal complications.
In clinical practice, one of the important aspects of pre-pregnancy care is identifying underlying health conditions that could affect the course of pregnancy. Women with diabetes who are planning to conceive should have their blood sugar levels assessed and brought under control before pregnancy. Good glucose management and regular medical supervision throughout pregnancy can significantly help reduce associated risks.
Another area that deserves attention is the relationship between menopause and diabetes. As women approach menopause declining oestrogen levels bring about several changes in the body. Many women begin to notice weight gain, particularly around the abdomen a reduction in muscle mass and changes in their metabolism. These changes can affect the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar and increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
What makes this particularly important is that women often consider weight gain, fatigue and disturbed sleep as normal consequences of ageing or menopause. While these may be associated with hormonal changes but they should not automatically be dismissed. It is important to assess a woman’s overall metabolic health, particularly if she has a family history of diabetes, excess weight or a history of gestational diabetes.
Regular blood sugar checks along a balanced diet and consistent physical activity are important during the menopausal and post-menopausal years. Women should be encouraged to make metabolic health a part of their routine health assessments rather than wait for symptoms to appear.
The association between PCOS and diabetes is another concern that needs greater awareness, particularly among younger women. PCOS is commonly seen in women of reproductive age and is frequently associated with insulin resistance. In this condition, the body does not respond effectively to insulin and thus resulting in the production of higher levels of insulin to maintain blood sugar balance.
This can further aggravate hormonal disturbances, affect ovulation and lead to irregular periods. When insulin resistance is accompanied by obesity, poor dietary habits and a sedentary lifestyle the risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases.
Young women with PCOS should therefore not look at it only as a menstrual or fertility-related problem. It is equally important to understand its metabolic implications. Timely evaluation, appropriate weight management and regular monitoring of blood sugar levels can help identify risks early and prevent complications in the long run.
Dr. Vidya V. Bhat said, “Over the years, I have seen how conditions such as PCOS, obesity, diabetes and hormonal imbalances are closely interconnected in women’s health. Unfortunately, many women tend to address these concerns in isolation. A young woman may come to us for irregular periods without realising that insulin resistance could be one of the underlying reasons. Similarly, women approaching menopause may attribute weight gain and other changes entirely to ageing without checking their blood sugar levels. We need to look at women’s health more holistically. Diabetes is not just about elevated blood sugar it can influence fertility, pregnancy outcomes and long-term health. My advice to women is not to ignore irregular periods, unexplained weight gain or other persistent changes in their bodies. Early screening, timely intervention and simple lifestyle changes can go a long way in preventing complications. Most importantly women should make regular health check-ups a priority at every stage of life.”
Dr. Bhat emphasises that awareness and preventive screening should begin much earlier rather than only when a woman develops symptoms or plans a pregnancy. Women with PCOS, obesity, a family history of diabetes or a previous history of gestational diabetes should be particularly mindful of their blood sugar levels.
On World Diabetes Day, the focus should be on looking beyond diabetes as an isolated metabolic condition and recognising its implications for women’s health. Greater awareness, early diagnosis and appropriate medical guidance can help women protect their reproductive health and overall well-being through every stage of life.
