Specific Complications in Women. Both temporary diabetes that occurs during pregnancy (gestational diabetes) and pregnancy in a patient with existing diabetes can increase the risk for birth defects. Because glucose crosses the placenta, hyperglycemia can be passed on to the fetus. In response to abnormally high blood glucose levels, the fetus secretes large amounts of insulin. This combination of high fetal blood levels of both insulin and glucose leads to excessive fetal growth. It may also delay maturation of the lungs or cause the death of the fetus. Diabetes also presents risks to the pregnant woman, particularly preeclampsia, a potentially dangerous condition involving very high blood pressure. Studies indicate that hyperglycemia may effect the developing fetus as soon as it is conceived. Diabetic women who want to become pregnant should be diligent about controlling blood glucose levels before and during pregnancy.

Diabetes appears to affect female hormones. It seems to blunt the beneficial effects of estrogen, increasing the risk for heart disease. Women with type 1 diabetes often have lumps in the breast that are benign but which make mammograms difficult to interpret. It is not clear whether these lumps are risk factors for breast cancer. One study indicated that women with diabetes have a higher risk for endometrial cancer and possibly for breast cancer. They also have a higher risk for early menopause, which, in one study, occurred at an average age of about 41 years.

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