Hormones rule a woman’s menstrual cycle. Hormonal shifts determine how long cycles last, how much bleeding occurs, and even how uncomfortable your period is. Diabetes is also largely dependent upon hormones, and the two can interact with one another in predictable patterns.

Periods and Diabetes Risk

It may seem surprising that your period could provide insight into your diabetes risk, but a longer cycle has consistently been linked to the onset of Type 2 diabetes, suggesting that the metabolic changes involved in creating a longer cycle demonstrate a potential issue that will lead to diabetes.

This risk was higher among women who both had a long cycle (a cycle lasting ~40 days, rather than the standard 28) and who were overweight, suggesting that a long cycle along is not a definitive warning sign of Type 2 diabetes. Instead, it can indicate a possible problem, which can then be exacerbated by excess weight.

Prevention and Irregular Cycles

If you experience irregular cycles, there may be hormonal shifts or anomalies at play that can be evaluated and treated via a specialist. This alone will not be enough to ward off diabetes, but keeping your hormones properly regulated can help your body function properly and keep risk factors low.

If you have a long or irregular cycle, one of the best things you can do is take care of yourself via diet and exercise. If you do not already have an exercise regimen in place, helping your body via regular movement can mitigate some of the risk involved in long menstrual cycles. The same can be said of your dietary habits; if you are a woman who has long or irregular cycles, you may need to pay closer attention to your diet, making sure to include healthy, whole foods while keeping processed, fried, fatty, and sugary foods to a minimum.

Moving Forward

If you’ve noticed an uptick in irregular cycles or have a menstrual cycle 30 days or longer, checking in with your gynecologist may be a good idea. A check up can help determine whether or not your hormones are at ideal, elevated, or depressed levels, which can play a role in the onset of chronic conditions.

With awareness and preventative measures, women who have longer or irregular cycles may be able to avoid diabetes or further diabetes complications. Losing weight minimizes risk, as does adding healthy foods and fitness habits to your daily routine.