If you have body aches and feel tired or fatigued all the time then apart from getting your HbA1c tested you should get your Vitamin D levels checked as well. The test is a simple blood test with reports that may be available online.
Vitamin D Deficiency is common amongst the population, particularly in women, those with diabetes and PCOS. The deficiency may lead to polyps as well.
Deficient levels of Vitamin D may cause decreased absorption of calcium into the bones. This may lead to muscle aches, cramps or bone pain. Other signs and symptoms include fatigue and mood changes leading to depression.
As mentioned above Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is somehow related to Vitamin D Deficiency. It is common among women. The syndrome is a hormonal or endocrine disorder where the ovaries produce androgen, the male sex hormone in excess. Normally the ovaries only secrete a small quantity of the male hormone. However, under disease conditions, it produces an abnormal amount.
Its pathology also includes the formation of multiple cysts (fluid-filled sacs) inside the ovaries plus acne and hirsutism. Women with PCOS may either bleed for a longer period of days or don't bleed at all. Vitamin D Deficiency in women can affect their cycle length causing delayed ovulation and hence PCOS. It can lead to infertility or say is a risk marker for fertility issues. It may also lead to obesity, and increased insulin resistance and hence cause Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. This is a dietary syndrome, characterized by insulin resistance and increased blood glucose levels.
According to research, more than half of women with PCOS develop diabetes by age 40. An unhealthy diet and a sedentary lifestyle may lead to PCOS and diabetes. A strong family history of PCOS or diabetes is also suggestive of PCOS. If your sister or mother has PCOS or type 2 diabetes you may develop the mentioned syndromes too. Signs and symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes include feeling very hungry, peeing a lot, and heavy thirst. Many also feel very tired. In order, to check for diabetes in women with PCOS, HbA1c and fasting glucose levels may be checked.
Investigations for PCOS include checking your testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, FSH, and LH levels. An ultrasound should be carried out to check for cysts in your ovaries. Physical examination includes checking for facial hair, acne, and obesity. Weight gain is also linked to PCOS. However, it's still not clear whether PCOS causes obesity or the obesity raises the risk of developing PCOS.
The syndrome is also linked to anxiety and depression. Reportedly, it is three times as common in PCOS patients as in non-PCOS individuals. Psychiatric illnesses may be common in those with PCOS due to PCOS symptoms including acne, hirsutism, or obesity. Psychiatric medications and counseling could help cure anxiety and depression.
Complications of diabetes include diabetic retinopathy, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic neuropathy, diabetic foot issues, heart attack, and strokes. It could lead to cancer in some cases. Some patients may also experience sexual problems while others may have gum diseases.
Type 2 Diabetes may be managed by fasting, PCOS by losing weight and Vitamin D Deficiency by supplements or injections. Exposure to sunlight is also necessary for the formation of Vitamin D.