Ask An Expert: Type 2 Diabetes and Periods

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Ask An Expert: Type 2 Diabetes and Periods

Question:

I have been recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and have noticed that my blood glucose levels run particularly high and are more difficult to bring down in the week before my period. Is this common?

Answer:

It is common for women who have diabetes to notice a change in their glucose control during the week prior to their menstrual period. Experts are uncertain about why women notice this change.

Probably, the hormones estrogen and progesterone are part of the explanation. These hormones rise to higher levels during the week that precedes menstruation, relative to other weeks in the cycle. These hormones might affect insulin resistance, and they might affect the way that your body processes diabetes medicine.

We know that some women with abnormal reproductive hormone levels are more likely to have insulin resistance and to develop diabetes. Specifically, women with polycystic ovary syndrome, a condition associated with a change in hormone balance, are at a high risk to develop diabetes. This makes it seem likely that hormone levels and glucose control are closely related.

Some women change their eating habits during the week prior to their period, developing a craving for snacks. Of course, this can affect sugar control as well.

Mary Pickett, M.D., is a lecturer for Harvard Medical School and an assistant professor of medicine at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, OR. At OHSU, she practices general internal medicine and teaches medical residents and students.

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Last updated:	January 24, 2007