These definitely sound like some of the early signs of diabetes.  According to Heart and Stroke Foundation, women with diabetes are at high risk for developing heart and blood vessel disease. Smoking, high cholesterol, and being overweight add to this risk.  It’s important to do whatever you can to eliminate these additional risk factors including a visit to your family doctor just to make sure.

Having diabetes is not the end of the world. It’s controllable. Yes, what you eat is definitely an issue, but if you exercise on a regular basis, it really brings your blood sugar down tremendously. Exercise definitely helps.

As well, here are a few 'good eating' tips for people with diabetes:

• Always take your pills with meals. People forget…
• Never skip breakfast or any meal, for that matter. Your blood sugar can dip and you could faint.
• Always have protein – (cheese, eggs, peanut butter, meat or fish) at every meal. This will help keep your blood sugar levels even.
• Avoid juice, which goes right into your blood stream and can raise your blood sugar. Have the actual fruit instead.
• Milk and tomatoes also are quick to turn into sugar once they reach your blood stream, so have these in moderation.
• Carry glucose candy in your purse in case of low blood sugar episodes
• Consult with a dietician. It’s a big help!

These are just a few measures you can take to help keep your aunt healthy while continuing to live a normal life with diabetes.