Archives for March 2022

It’s that time of year again. Trees are blooming, grass is sprouting from the ground, and allergies are making their return after the long, cold winter. Keep reading as Marla Ahlgrimm talks about seasonal and other allergies.

Q: Why do some people have allergic reactions to different stimuli?

Marla Ahlgrimm: The quick answer is that your body is trying to fight off what it considers a foreign invader. Once the substance, which could be anything from pollen to mold or pet dander, enters a sensitive person’s body, chemicals called histamines are triggered. Histamines can cause cold-like symptoms, or they can affect the skin with hives or eczema. [Read more…]

Diabetes is unfortunately common among men and women alike. However, Marla Ahlgrimm says that diabetes-related complications are more prevalent among women.

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, women with diabetes experience urinary tract infections more often than those without. Those with especially high blood sugar are at an even greater risk of UTIs. She says that keeping your blood sugar within target range (your healthcare provider can help you determine this) is the best way to reduce urinary tract infections. This, coupled with wearing cotton underwear and eliminating your bladder when you need to, will go a long way toward helping you enjoy urinary comfort.

Women with diabetes can also have heavier periods. Diabetes can even make PMS harder to deal with, and those cravings you experience right before your cycle begins may be exacerbated when you have diabetes. Marla Ahlgrimm says that women who use insulin may wish to speak with their doctors about upping their dose in the days before bleeding begins.

Another unfortunate side-effect of diabetes for women is a lack of desire to engage in sexual activity, says Marla Ahlgrimm. This is because diabetes can reduce vaginal moisture, which can make sex uncomfortable. This is another area that your physician can help with, and they may suggest over-the-counter lubricants or exercises that can enhance and elevate the sexual response.

Marla Ahlgrimm further explains that diabetes can get in the way of a healthy pregnancy. Women with diabetes need to plan ahead and maintain close contact with their OB/GYN throughout gestation. Women with diabetes are prone to high blood pressure and the need for cesarean section. Further, an excess of sugar in the blood can result in birth defects, including breathing problems and excess body weight. Some women experience gestational diabetes, which can morph into type II diabetes if left unchecked.