Diabetes Type 2 And Genital Itching: How To Treat Yeast Infections And Lower Your Risk?

Diabetes is a common disease in which patients have high blood glucose levels. Diabetes is associated with a wide array of complications, including yeast infections. Yeast, much like all other microorganisms in our body, plays a role by helping keep bacteria  in check. Yeast is normally present on the skin and in close proximity to mucus membranes, such genital regions.

Yeast known as Candida is the species that is most prevalent in our bodies and is associated with an infection. Yeast infections are more likely to develop in areas of the skin that are warm and moist such as the genitals, feet and skin. When you have a yeast or candidiasis infection, these are the following symptoms that can develop:

• Discomfort
• Pain
• Itchiness

The connection between diabetes and yeast infection

Several studies have investigated the connection between diabetes and yeast infection. Studies have shown that patients with both type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop yeast infections compared to people that don’t have diabetes. Furthermore, people with diabetes also tend to have symptoms that are worse and progress quicker than patients without the disease. Finally, it is well known that in patients with diabetes, infections tend to be harder to treat.

Why is there is a higher risk of yeast infections in diabetic patients?

There are several different explanations that have been put forward regarding why there is a higher risk of yeast infections in diabetic patients:

• Compromised immune system. In patients with body type 1 and type 2 diabetes, studies have found that the immune system is impaired. Thus, when your diabetes is not well-controlled, it causes your immune system to be further dysfunctional. Since a properly functioning immune system is necessary to keep the fungal population under check, having an impaired immune system makes patients more prone to developing yeast infections.
• High blood sugar in yeast-populated regions. Patients with diabetes have high levels of blood sugar, since they are unable to properly metabolize glucose. Therefore, there is more sugar wandering around the body. The body will then try to excrete sugar in the form of mucus, sweat or urine. Since yeast feast on sugar, the extra sugar leads to an overgrowth of yeast, leading to an infection.
• Consistent infections. It is known that once a patient develops a yeast infection in a specific area, the infection is more likely to return. Thus, patients become more susceptible to developing yeast infections. 

So what are the signs of a yeast infection?

These are the following signs of a yeast infection, broken down by the region of the body:

• Skin. The symptoms of skin infection include color change and itchy patches of skin. This usually develops in the skin folds, face, trunk and scalp.
• Genitals. The symptoms include vaginal itching, vaginal pain, burning sensation in the vagina, a white discharge that may seem like cottage cheese-like, pain while urinating and an unpleasant smell. Men might develop an itchy rash on their penis.
• Eye. Pain, redness impaired vision and sensitivity to light.
• Oral thrush. White patches inside the cheeks, pain in mouth, cracking on corners of mouth, and lack of taste.

Treatment

There are several different treatments that can be used for yeast infections. These include:

• Topical cream and suppositories. These are the first treatments that doctors normally recommend. These work well when the infection is sill new. Antifungal creams can be applied directly to the region of infection for a week. These are available over the counter, though you should still consult with a doctor before you buy them.
• Oral medication. There are some oral antifungal medications which are often given when the cream or suppository does not work. These are also given to patients that have had many yeast infections in a short period of time.
• Home remedies. Many people choose to follow home remedies in order to help resolve the infection. These home remedies include yogurt, oregano oil, coconut oil and tea tree oil.

Prevention

There are some things you can do to prevent the development of fungal or yeast infections. These include:

• Wearing cotton clothes or fabrics that allow your skin to breathe
• Avoid wearing clothes that are tight, especially pants and footwear
• Avoid using scented soaps
• Avoid using douches
• Wash your skin daily
• Dry your skin well (this is particularly important for your feet, genital and folds of your skin)
• Control your blood sugar levels. This is vital because when your blood sugar levels are under control, you are less likely to develop a yeast infection. This involves using medication, eating healthier, losing weight and exercising more.