Editorial Note:
This article is an expanded and revised edition of a previously commissioned feature. It has been updated to clarify why high blood glucose can look different in women: hormonal shifts (menstrual cycle changes, pregnancy, perimenopause/menopause) can affect insulin sensitivity and may also mask or mimic symptoms. It also adds a practical “what to do next” section for readers who recognise the signs and want to seek testing early.
Key takeaways (quick read):
- Subtle symptoms are common (fatigue, brain fog, recurring infections) and are often misattributed to stress or hormones.
- Reproductive and hormonal health matters: PCOS, pregnancy history, and menopause can change risk and glucose patterns.
- Early testing is straightforward (HbA1c, fasting glucose, or oral glucose tolerance test) and can prevent long-term complications.
Quick action today: if you have two or more symptoms listed in this article (or PCOS/gestational diabetes history), consider booking a screening and bring a symptom timeline to your appointment.
Diabetes is often called a "silent" disease, especially as its early symptoms can be subtle and easily mistaken for everyday stress, hormonal changes, or simply the effects of ageing. Yet, undiagnosed or poorly managed diabetes can have a profound impact on a woman's health, affecting everything from heart and kidney function to fertility and mental well-being.
The Scope of the Problem in Singapore
Diabetes is a significant health concern in Singapore. Whilst specific statistics on women are not always readily available, it is known that a substantial portion of the population lives with diabetes, and many more are in the prediabetic stage without realising it. High blood sugar does not just influence weight or energy levels; it can gradually damage the heart, kidneys, eyes, and reproductive system. Women are particularly vulnerable, as hormonal fluctuations during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause can complicate blood sugar control. It's crucial to address this growing health issue to reduce the risk of complications.
Women's bodies process glucose and insulin differently from men's, and hormonal changes can mask or mimic diabetes symptoms, leading to delayed diagnosis. This makes it crucial for women to be aware of the signs of diabetes.
Ten Signs of Diabetes in Women
- Persistent Fatigue: If you feel constantly drained despite adequate sleep, it could be due to your cells not absorbing glucose efficiently, leaving your body starved for energy. This often leads to cravings for sugary snacks, which only worsen the problem.
- Frequent Yeast Infections: High blood sugar creates an ideal environment for yeast, leading to recurring vaginal infections and urinary tract infections.
- Blurred Vision: Swelling of the eye lens due to high glucose can cause blurry vision, which, if left unchecked, may result in permanent damage.
- Unexplained Weight Loss: Losing weight without trying may seem positive, but in diabetes, it signals that your body is burning fat and muscle for energy instead of glucose.
- Increased Thirst and Frequent Urination: High sugar levels draw fluid from tissues, making you thirsty and leading to more frequent trips to the bathroom.
- Slow Healing of Cuts and Infections: Poor circulation and a weakened immune response due to high blood sugar can slow down the healing process and increase infection risk.
- Dark Patches of Skin: Known as acanthosis nigricans, these velvety, dark patches (often around the neck, armpits, or groin) are common in women with insulin resistance and can be an early warning sign of prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.
- Mood Swings and Brain Fog: Fluctuating blood sugar levels can affect mood, concentration, and memory, leading to anxiety, irritability, or forgetfulness.
- Tingling or Numbness in Hands and Feet: Diabetic neuropathy can begin subtly, with tingling or numbness that may be mistaken for sleeping on your hand or foot the wrong way.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Whilst not caused by diabetes, PCOS and insulin resistance are closely linked. Women with irregular periods, acne, and weight gain should have their blood sugar levels checked.
If you notice any of these symptoms, track them and consult a healthcare professional for proper testing, such as A1C, fasting glucose, or oral glucose tolerance tests. Knowing your family history is also important, as genetics play a significant role.
Prevention and Management
Lifestyle changes can make a big difference. Incorporate daily physical activity, such as walking or yoga, and focus on a diet rich in fibre from leafy greens, oats, chia seeds, and legumes. Avoid sugary drinks, prioritise sleep, and manage stress, as these factors can all influence blood sugar levels.
Women face risk factors, including family history, being overweight (especially around the abdomen), a sedentary lifestyle, and diets high in refined carbohydrates and sugars. Hormonal changes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes), PCOS, and menopause also increase risk. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, a history of heart disease, smoking, stress, and poor sleep further amplify the risk.
A healthy diet and regular exercise are key to preventing and managing diabetes. These habits improve insulin sensitivity, lower blood sugar, and support weight management. Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider are essential for early detection and management.
Take Charge of Your Health
Diabetes in women is often silent but can have serious consequences if left unchecked. By recognising the signs, understanding the risks, and making proactive lifestyle changes, women can protect their health and well-being. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalised advice and regular screenings.
If These Signs Sound Familiar: A Calm, Practical Next-Step Plan
Many symptoms of high blood glucose overlap with “normal life” — long workdays, disrupted sleep, perimenopause, parenting stress. The goal is not to self-diagnose; it is to reduce delay if your body is sending repeated signals. Use the checklist below to decide whether it is time to test.
1) Build a 7-day symptom snapshot (bring this to your appointment)
- Energy levels (especially mid-afternoon crashes)
- Thirst and urination frequency (including waking at night to urinate)
- Any recurrent thrush/UTIs or slow-healing skin issues
- Vision changes (intermittent blur can be a clue)
- Mood/brain fog (note when it is worst: pre-meal, post-meal, late night)
2) Know the “women-specific” risk flags worth mentioning
- History of gestational diabetes (even years ago)
- PCOS, irregular cycles, or infertility evaluation history
- Symptoms that worsen around your cycle or during perimenopause/menopause
- Family history of diabetes, and/or high blood pressure or high cholesterol
3) The three common tests (and what they’re used for)
A clinician may suggest one or more of the following:
- HbA1c: gives an average over the past ~2–3 months
- Fasting plasma glucose: a single-point check after fasting
- Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT): shows how your body handles glucose over time; often used in pregnancy and borderline cases
4) If you are waiting for a test: two low-risk changes that help most people
- Post-meal movement: 10–15 minutes of easy walking after your main meals
- Fibre + protein first: build meals around vegetables/legumes plus a protein source; keep sugary drinks as an occasional treat
These steps can improve glucose control for many people and are generally beneficial even if tests come back normal.
Frequently asked questions
Can stress or poor sleep raise blood sugar?
Yes — both can affect hormones that influence appetite, insulin sensitivity, and glucose regulation. They can also make symptoms feel worse.
If I’m not overweight, can I still have diabetes?
Yes. Weight is one risk factor, not a rule. Family history, hormonal factors, activity level, and metabolic health matter too.
Medical note: This article is for general education and is not a substitute for medical advice. Seek urgent care if you have severe symptoms (confusion, fainting, chest pain, severe dehydration, vomiting, or rapidly worsening vision).
Editorial update: 22 February 2026 — expanded with a symptom snapshot template, women-specific risk flags, and a clearer guide to common screening tests.
Note: This piece was written as a commissioned feature and has appeared in other health and lifestyle platforms.