Diabetes Symptoms in Women: Signs to Know

Illustration of a doctor taking notes while talking with a woman patient
Photo: Courtesy of NIAID Ryan Kissinger via Wikimedia Commons (Public domain). Image credits

Last reviewed: October 9, 2026 · Sources: CDC, NIH/NIDDK, American Diabetes Association

Diabetes affects people of every sex and gender, and most of its symptoms are the same for everyone. But women and people assigned female at birth can experience some signs and health effects that are specific to their bodies, such as vaginal yeast infections, urinary tract infections, changes linked to the menstrual cycle, polycystic ovary syndrome, pregnancy-related diabetes, and changes around menopause. This guide explains common diabetes symptoms, symptoms that may be more noticeable in women, and health issues to discuss with your provider. It is general information and not a substitute for professional care.

Common symptoms in everyone

The CDC lists these symptoms that can occur with type 1 and type 2 diabetes:

The CDC also notes that type 2 diabetes may cause slow-healing cuts or sores, dark patches of skin around the neck, armpits, or groin, and numbness or tingling in the hands or feet. Type 2 diabetes often develops slowly, and many people have no symptoms at all for years. See our early signs and symptoms guide.

Symptoms that may stand out in women

Vaginal yeast infections

Yeast (Candida) thrives on sugar. When blood glucose is high, glucose levels in body fluids can rise too, creating conditions where yeast grows more easily. Symptoms include itching, burning, redness, and thick white discharge. Frequent or hard-to-treat yeast infections can be a sign of high blood sugar and are worth mentioning to your provider. Some diabetes medicines, especially SGLT2 inhibitors, increase glucose in the urine and can also raise the risk of genital yeast infections. See metformin and common diabetes medications.

Urinary tract infections

High glucose and, in some people, nerve damage affecting the bladder can make UTIs more common. Symptoms include burning with urination, needing to urinate often or urgently, cloudy urine, and lower abdominal discomfort. Fever, back pain, or vomiting can signal a kidney infection and need prompt care.

Sexual health changes

Diabetes can damage nerves and blood vessels, including those that support sexual function. Some women with diabetes experience vaginal dryness, reduced sensation, pain with intercourse, or reduced desire. These issues are common and treatable, so it is worth talking with your provider. NIDDK's information on diabetic neuropathies explains how nerve damage can affect many body systems. See also our article on diabetic neuropathy.

Skin changes

Darkened, velvety skin in body folds (acanthosis nigricans), often on the neck, armpits, or groin, is associated with insulin resistance. It is not unique to women but may be noticed alongside other signs of insulin resistance such as those seen with PCOS. See diabetes and skin conditions.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a common hormone condition that can cause irregular periods, excess hair growth, acne, and difficulty getting pregnant. Many people with PCOS have insulin resistance. The CDC lists PCOS as a risk factor for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. If you have PCOS, ask your provider how often you should have your blood glucose checked. Healthy eating, physical activity, and in some cases medicines such as metformin may be part of managing PCOS. See our prediabetes guide.

Menstrual cycle and blood glucose

Hormone levels change throughout the menstrual cycle. Some women with diabetes notice their blood glucose runs higher in the days before their period and drops once their period starts. Others notice little change. If you check your glucose or use a continuous glucose monitor, tracking readings alongside your cycle can reveal patterns. Your care team can help adjust insulin or other treatment if needed. See checking blood sugar and CGMs.

Pregnancy and gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy and usually has no symptoms, so the CDC advises testing between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. It raises the risk of type 2 diabetes later in life, so follow-up testing after pregnancy is important. If you already have diabetes and want to become pregnant, planning ahead is one of the best things you can do. See gestational diabetes and diabetes and pregnancy planning.

Menopause

Around menopause, falling estrogen and progesterone levels can affect how the body responds to insulin, and blood glucose may become less predictable. Hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes can also resemble symptoms of low blood glucose, so it is helpful to check your glucose when you are unsure. Weight changes and sleep problems during this time can also affect glucose. Talk with your provider about treatment options for menopause symptoms and how they may interact with diabetes care. See sleep and diabetes.

Heart health in women with diabetes

Diabetes raises the risk of heart disease and stroke. Women may have less typical heart attack symptoms, such as shortness of breath, nausea, unusual fatigue, or pain in the back, jaw, or stomach, rather than classic chest pain. Know the warning signs and call 911 if they occur. See diabetes and heart health.

Mental health

Living with diabetes can be stressful, and depression and anxiety are common among people with diabetes. Caregiving roles, work, and family responsibilities can add stress and make self-care harder. Stress hormones can also raise blood glucose. If you feel down, overwhelmed, or anxious most days, tell your provider. See stress and blood sugar.

Who should be tested?

Because many people with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes have no symptoms, testing based on risk factors is important. The CDC lists risk factors including:

Race and ethnicity also matter; the CDC notes that African American, Hispanic/Latino American, American Indian, Alaska Native, Pacific Islander, and some Asian American people are at higher risk. If any of these apply, ask your provider whether you should be tested.

When to see a provider

Make an appointment if you have:

Seek emergency care for vomiting, abdominal pain, rapid breathing, or confusion, which can signal diabetic ketoacidosis. See hyperglycemia and DKA.

Taking charge of your health

MedlinePlus offers a broad diabetes overview with more resources.

Key takeaways

Sources

Links to the sources cited above appear in the text. We rely on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), and the American Diabetes Association (ADA).

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