From iVillage:

Ask any woman: It can be difficult to weather "that time of the month" and "the change." But managing these episodes when you have diabetes adds a whole set of complications. Here's what you need to know to make these two experiences smooth sailing.

What's menopause got to do with it?

Often referred to as "the change of life," menopause, too, can influence blood glucose levels. "The effects are less direct," says Dr. Petit, and it's more likely that women feel unwell due to menopausal symptoms, which can be quite severe in some women.

However, menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, sleep problems, fatigue caused by lack of sleep, moodiness, short-term memory loss and generally not feeling great can be mistaken for low blood sugar. You don't want to correct them by consuming unnecessary extra calories (which could cause a surge in blood sugar and ultimately lead to weight gain), so it's important to determine whether fluctuating hormones or menopausal symptoms are at the root of your symptoms. Monitor your blood glucose levels closely and work with your doctor to develop a management plan.

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