5 Common Infections In Diabetes Patients And How To Prevent Them

Infections are a part of everyday life, but what if you get them more frequently than others? Turns out, it can be a sign of diabetes. People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing several different types of infections that affect various regions of the body.

1. Urinary tract infections

Diabetes have a high risk of developing urinary tract infections. They have high levels of sugar in their urine as the body tries to excrete the excess sugar from the blood, and this can allow bacteria and fungi to grow and thrive, leading to urinary tract infections. Urinary tract infections can occur anywhere along the urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra.

Studies estimate that 9.4 percent of patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes develop a urinary tract infection compared to 5.7% of the general population. So how can you tell if you have a urinary infection? These are some of the symptoms:

• Pain when urinating
• Constantly feeling the need to urinate
• Cloudy urine
• Bad-smelling urine
• Strong smelling urine
• Stomach pain
• Back pain
• Blood in urine
• Fever
• Shivering constantly
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Pain on your side

Treatment for urinary infections differs for lower urinary tract infections (in the bladder and urethra) and upper urinary tract infections (in the kidneys). Lower urinary tract infections are treated by using antibiotics for a few days, coupled with painkillers for any stomach or back pain. Upper urinary tract infections are more serious, and treated by using antibiotics for at least a week.

You can take steps to prevent urinary tract infections:

• Drink lots of water.
• Manage your blood sugar levels appropriately.
• Drink cranberry juice (in moderation).
• When you have to pee, try to do it right away.
• Pee after you have sex.
• Wash your genitals regularly.
• Wash your genitals before you have sex.
• Wipe your butt front to back..

2. Oral infections

One particular fungal mouth infection that diabetics are vulnerable to is known as thrush, which is caused by a type of yeast accumulating in the lining of your mouth. Oral thrush is known to cause creamy white lesions that affect your tongue and inner cheeks. Patients with high blood glucose levels and are taking antibiotics often experience oral thrush.

There are several ways to prevent oral infections:

• Manage your blood glucose levels and keep them in the normal range.
• Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time.
• Floss once a day.
• Monitor your mouth for signs of gum disease.
• Go see your dentist at least twice a year and inform them you have diabetes so they can monitor your oral health accordingly.

3. Foot infections

There are several ways to prevent foot infections:

• Constantly monitor your feet for any potential sores or wounds, particularly ones that won’t heal or stick around for a long time.
• Keep your blood glucose levels under control.
• Wear shoes that are appropriate for the activity you are doing. For example, don’t wear tennis shoes to go running.
• Keep your blood pressure under control.
• Don’t wear excessively tight shoesm, as they can cut off circulation.

4. Skin infections

Skin infections are quite common among patients with diabetes. In fact, estimates suggest that approximately a third of patients with diabetes will develop a skin disease at some point in their lifetime. Generally, patients develop skin conditions that almost anyone can have, though diabetic patients develop them a lot more easily. These include bacterial infections such as styles, boils and barnacles. Furthermore, patients can also develop other types of infections such as athlete's foot, ringworm and thrush.

There are several ways to prevent skin infections:

• Take good care of your skin by drying appropriately and moisturizing.
• Monitor your skin for any sores or wounds.
• Keep your blood glucose levels under control.
• Keep your blood pressure under control.
• Keep your cholesterol levels under control.

5. Vaginal infections

Female diabetics are more likely to suffer vaginal infections. This can be explained by the increased presence of sugar in the body as sugar is a source of food for bacteria and fungi and something that allows them to thrive. 

You will know that you have a vaginal infection if you have the following symptoms:

• Itching of the vagina and vulva
• White discharge, cottage-cheese like, from the vagina
• Bad or foul smell from the vagina

Treatment for vaginal infections generally includes using pessaries or creams. You can also take a course of medication orally if that is needed. There are several ways to prevent vaginal infections:

• Keeping your blood glucose levels under control
• Washing your genitals after you have sex
• Keeping your vagina dry
• Wearing loose-fitting, cotton, underwear
• Avoid tight-fitting jeans