Women Veterans: Lower your risk for diabetes

VA understands that life after service is much different than while wearing the uniform. After leaving service, you become less physically active, have different eating habits, have started smoking, or you may have increased stress or other mental health concerns.

Unfortunately, these factors play a big role in your risk for developing diabetes. In fact, women Veterans are 2.5 times more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes than non-Veterans, but prevention is possible.

Understanding diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when your body’s blood sugar, or glucose, levels are too high. There are three main types of diabetes:

• Type 2 occurs when your body does not produce enough insulin or is resistant to insulin. Type 2 diabetes usually occurs in adults and is commonly associated with obesity. It can often be delayed or prevented with lifestyle changes.
• Type 1 occurs when your body does not make insulin or makes very little so you need to take insulin every day. Type 1 diabetes usually occurs in children and is caused by an autoimmune destruction of the pancreatic cells that make insulin. It cannot be prevented, but it can be treated effectively. It is much less common than Type 2.
• Gestational diabetes can develop in pregnant women who have never had diabetes, and it puts your baby at higher risk for health problems. Gestational diabetes happens when your body cannot make enough insulin during your pregnancy. It usually goes away after birth, but it does increase your risk and your child’s risk for Type 2 later in life.

Those diagnosed with diabetes are also at higher risk for developing other serious health conditions, including heart disease and stroke, vision problems, nerve damage, foot problems and kidney disease.

Symptoms and risk factors

Diabetes affects nearly 25% of VA’s patient population and, sometimes, it may be due to common lifestyle changes following service, such as being less physically active, developing unhealthy eating habits, drinking alcohol or smoking, mental health challenges and more.

You may also be at higher risk for developing diabetes if you have certain risk factors such as:

• Being overweight.
• Being 45 years and older.
• Having a parent or sibling with Type 2 diabetes.
• Being less physically active.
• Having polycystic ovary syndrome (or PCOS).
• Having had gestational diabetes or giving birth to a baby weighing over 9 lbs.

Race and ethnicity may also play a role in your risk for diabetes. Women Veterans who are African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Alaska Native, Pacific Islander or Asian American are at higher risk.

VA recommends women Veterans to keep up with your routine primary care visits so we can catch diabetes as soon as possible during regular blood work. Early on, not everyone will experience symptoms, but it’s important to pay attention to any symptoms you may have as it may mean your diabetes has progressed. If you’re experiencing any of the following, speak with your VA health care provider about testing your blood sugar:

• Frequent urination.
• Increased thirst or hunger.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Blurred vision.
• Numbness or tingling in hands or feet.
• Increased fatigue.
• Dry, darkened skin or skin tags.

VA services and resources

Take control of your health. Your VA health care team can develop a treatment plan to help you delay or prevent Type 2 diabetes. This includes support for lifestyle changes around nutrition, exercise and substance use, which can also help prevent heart disease and stroke.

VA offers a wide range of services and resources to help you manage diabetes, including specialty care, blood glucose monitoring supplies and medication, eye care, foot care, prosthetics and more. We can also help you manage gestational diabetes during your pregnancy.

Speak with your VA health care team about your risk for diabetes. You can also call the Women Veterans Call Center at 1-855-VA-WOMEN to speak with a real person and connect to care or visit the Women’s Health Diabetes page to learn more.