Type 2 diabetes, a chronic metabolic condition marked by the body’s inability to properly use or produce insulin, leads to persistently high blood sugar levels. In women, this risk increases due to hormonal imbalances, obesity, PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, and a history of gestational diabetes. Prolonged inactivity, stress, and heavy consumption of processed foods also contribute significantly to the onset of the disease.

Widespread Impact of Diabetes on Women's Health
Uncontrolled blood sugar over time damages various organs and systems. It affects the kidneys, nerves, eyes, brain, and most critically—the heart. In women, diabetes may also cause menstrual irregularities, complications in pregnancy, and weakened immunity, making infections more likely and slower to heal.

Why Heart Disease Risk is Higher in Women with Diabetes
According to Dr. Ajay Kumar from the Department of Medicine, MCD Delhi, diabetes doesn’t just elevate blood sugar—it also contributes to high cholesterol and high blood pressure. These changes accelerate the buildup of fat deposits in blood vessels (atherosclerosis), increasing the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes. Women, in particular, face higher risks due to the complex interplay of diabetes and hormonal shifts, including the effects of estrogen on heart function.

Supporting this, the NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre highlights that diabetic women are 2 to 3 times more likely to suffer from cardiovascular complications than diabetic men. Hence, early intervention and strict disease management are vital.

How Women Can Lower Their Risk:

• Monitor blood sugar levels regularly

• Follow a fiber-rich, low-sugar, heart-healthy diet

• Engage in at least 30 minutes of daily exercise

• Maintain a healthy body weight

• Reduce stress with meditation, yoga, and proper sleep

• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake

• Get routine health checkups to monitor cholesterol and blood pressure