Diabetes mellitus in women.

The research team studied a group of 13,475 women from the Nurses' Health Study II. During 10 years of follow-up, 860 incident GDM cases were identified. After adjustment for known risk factors for GDM including age, family history of diabetes, parity, physical activity, smoking status, sugar-sweetened beverage intake, alcohol intake, prepregnancy BMI, and Western dietary pattern, intake of sugar-sweetened cola was positively associated with the risk of GDM. No significant association was found for other sugar-sweetened beverages or diet beverages.

"Compared with women who consumed less than 1 serving per month, those who consumed more than 5 servings per week of sugar-sweetened cola had a 22 percent greater GDM risk," notes Dr. Chen.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), defined as glucose intolerance beginning during pregnancy, is one of the most common pregnancy complications. Women with GDM are at increased risk for complications and illness during pregnancy and delivery, as well as post-pregnancy Type 2 diabetes. Children of mothers with GDM are at increased risk for obesity, glucose intolerance, and early onset diabetes.

Although the underlying mechanism remains unclear, available evidence suggests that the main defect in the development of GDM is relatively diminished insulin secretion coupled with pregnancy-induced insulin resistance. The researchers discuss a number of explanations of their findings. Consuming a large amount of sugar-sweetened beverages could contribute to a high glycemic load (GL) by providing a large amount of rapidly absorbable sugars. High-GL foods induce a greater plasma glucose response after eating which can result in insulin resistance and impaired beta cell function. (Pancreatic beta cells make insulin.) In addition, higher sugar intake itself may lead to impaired pancreatic cell function.

"We don't know why significant association was only found in sugar-sweetened cola, but not other types of sugar-sweetened beverages -- fruit drinks, other soft drinks, etc...," says Dr. Chen. "One of the explanations could be the tremendous popularity of cola in the US."

Previous studies in children and adults have shown that regular consumption of sugary drinks is associated with excess caloric intake, greater weight gain, and increased risk of obesity. Sugary drinks have also been linked to Type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders.

"This is the first study on the impact of sugar-sweetened beverages on GDM risk," notes Dr. Chen. "This finding is important because sugar-sweetened beverages are the leading source of added sugars in the American diet, particularly in the age group most likely to conceive. Cutting down sugary drinks is clearly an important way to reduce this common pregnancy complication."

According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2001, from 1977 to 2001, soft drink intake increased from 4.1 percent to 9.8 percent for 19- to 39-year-olds. In percentage terms, soft drink intake was highest among this age group in comparison to other ages.

Other Symptoms Associated with Diabetes.

In many cases, people do not discover that they have diabetes until later in life or until after they have had the disease for a period of time. In fact, the earliest signs of diabetes often go unnoticed or are given very little attention by those that experience them. While over 17 million people in the United States have already been diagnosed with diabetes, there are still over 5 million people with the disease that have not been diagnosed yet. Each year, nearly 2 million people over the age of 20 years old are discovered to be person with diabetes. With these alarming numbers, it is very important to carefully examine and understand the symptoms associated with diabetes. Anytime that symptoms associated with diabetes do occur, it is essential to give them attention and discuss them with a doctor.

Early Diabetes Symptoms
Catching diabetes as early as possible is the key to controlling it and preventing damage from it. However, these early symptoms are the hardest signs to detect. An extreme and uncontrollable thirst or hunger and the frequent need to restroom are some of the most common early signs of the disease. Remaining thirsty after drinking is an important red flag not to miss. Any changes in your diet or urinating needs are also often enough cause to consult a doctor. In addition, if there are unexplained changes in your weight, you should make an appointment to see a physician.

Other than a noticeable change in eating, urinating, and weight, there are several other factors that may indicate a problem with the insulin in your body. If you find that you have sores or bruises that are refusing to heal or that are slow to heal, you may have a cause to be concerned. Itchy and dry skin, blurry vision, extreme tiredness, irritability, tingling of the hands and feet, and reoccurring infections of the gums, bladder, and skin, all lead to the suspicion of diabetes. Many women with diabetes find that they frequently have yeast infections as well.

Type 1 Diabetes Symptoms

The symptoms that you experience may help indicate which type of diabetes that you have. Type 1 diabetes is less common than Type 2 diabetes and typically occurs more often in children. Diabetes of this kind is caused by the lack of insulin. The most likely seen signs of this kind of diabetes are the need to drink, eat, and urinate more often, tiredness, irritability, and weight loss.

Type 2 Diabetes Signs

Type 2 diabetes is more commonly found in older people. These people may be overweight. This kind of diabetes is often associated with insulin resistance. The symptoms found with Type 2 diabetes include the common signs of Type 1 diabetes plus frequent infections, blurred vision, slow healing wounds, and the numbness of the hands and feet.

Being able to take notice of the details of your symptoms can often help you and your doctor understand more about your disease and how to treat it. With the growing number of people being diagnosed with the disease each year, it is important to be aware of the diabetes symptoms. Keep in mind that awareness is the key to early detection.