Innovative infographic to improve management of diabetes during menopause

For World Diabetes Day 2024, the EDEN education team at Leicester Diabetes Centre (LDC) has collaborated with Dawn Adams, who lives with type 1 diabetes and a #MenopauseMither, to develop an educational infographic to support healthcare professionals (HCPs).

Menopause occurs when a woman has not had a menstrual period for at least 12 months. This happens due to a drop in the hormone oestrogen and usually starts after age 40. The years before menopause are called the ‘perimenopause’. During this time, periods can become irregular, sometimes coming more often and being heavier, or they may be lighter and less regular.

Living with diabetes and going through menopause can be particularly challenging. Hormonal changes during perimenopause can affect insulin response, making blood glucose management more difficult.

Weight gain during menopause can increase insulin resistance and blood pressure. The decline in female hormones also raises the risk of heart disease and bone fractures, and having diabetes heightens these risks further.

James Ridgeway, Education and Research Associate at LDC, explains: “It is vital for healthcare professionals to understand the significant impact that living with both diabetes and menopause can have on health and wellbeing.

“Our newest EDEN infographic aims to raise awareness about diabetes and the menopause, highlighting ways to support those affected.

“This infographic was developed in collaboration with Dawn Adams, also known as ‘Dawnie’, who brings extensive professional and personal experience to this important topic.”

Dawnie adds: “Not all women with diabetes will experience a pregnancy but all women with diabetes will experience menopause. For some women menopause will be the beginning of their diabetes journey. This is why we need more information and support.”

World Diabetes Day is celebrated every year on 14 November to mark the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin along with Charles Best in 1922.

The ‘Menopause and Diabetes’ infographic is available for free on the EDEN website: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5a6439bab7411c94f2ebe216/t/673494565be3172ac6be22ad/1731499094374/Menopause+and+Diabetes+Infographic.pdf.

For information about HCP education provided by EDEN, visit: www.edendiabetes.com.