Diabetes and Yeast Infections: 5 Things Every Diabetic Should Know
As a result of high blood sugar levels and immune system dysfunction, diabetics are prone to more frequent and more severe infections than non-diabetics. Among these infections, yeast is among the most common and, in fact, sometimes leads to the diagnosis of diabetes.
Is this dangerous? Is there something a person can do about the situation?
Here are 5 things every diabetic should know about yeast infections:
1. yeast infection – don’t skip this man – there are some things here that you need to know too. Yeast thrives in a warm, moist environment, especially when there is a lot of food, i.e. excess sugar. There are always some yeasts in the neighborhood, but other “good” germs usually crowd them out. In diabetes, yeast can overgrow and become like crabgrass: once it takes hold, it’s hard to get rid of. If you’ve never been diagnosed with diabetes but have had more yeast infections than your fair share, or have had trouble getting rid of a yeast infection, see your doctor; you may be diabetic.
Yeast is not usually a sexually transmitted disease, but in a diabetic it can be, especially if both partners are diabetic. Other STDs can also be spread more easily if fragile tissues are already irritated by a fungal infection. Women who suffer from vaginal itching and burning are also less likely to be interested in having sex. Because the symptoms of yeast infections, UTIs, and STDs overlap, women sometimes confuse one for the other.
If you are diabetic and suffer from prolonged or recurring yeast infections, you should talk to your doctor. You may need to control your blood sugar levels more effectively. You may need a long course of anti-yeast medication. You may need a combination of oral and topical medications. You may need to be checked for another type of infection that mimics yeast.
two. Thrush (oral candidiasis). Oral yeast infection is common in diabetics who do not have well-controlled blood sugar levels, especially in patients with dentures. Candidiasis has a variety of presentations. It often appears as white patches that cover the inside of the cheeks or tongue. Sometimes the mouth looks raw or irritated. Other people complain of a change in taste or sensation of pain even though the tissues appear normal. Oral thrush indicates the need for better sugar control, better oral hygiene, or both. It may require oral medications, topical medications, or both, and may occur at the same time as a fungal infection elsewhere in the body.
3. Intertrigo (fungal infections in the folds of warm skin). Intertrigo is especially common in men and women who have overlapping skin folds that remain moist. Common areas include the armpit (armpit), groin, under the breast, and under the abdomen. Intertrigo appears as a red or pink rash, usually flat (no bumps), that is often moist and may have an unpleasant odor or itching. Again, the cure lies in blood sugar control, keeping the area dry, and medication. Topical creams like Lotrimin or Lamisil are effective. If itching is prominent, over-the-counter hydrocortisone can be added. Wearing a cotton T-shirt or underwear helps keep the area dry.
Four. Antibiotic-Related Fungal Infections. Diabetics who take antibiotics for respiratory or other infections are at high risk of developing any of the above conditions. Antibiotics kill many normal germs (normal flora) and allow yeast to take hold. A yeast infection can appear while the patient is taking the antibiotic or up to a few weeks later. Those who take antibiotics daily for conditions such as acne or rosacea are at particular risk. The key to prevention is minimizing exposure to antibiotics. Don’t ask for an antibiotic for a cold you’ve only had for a few days. If you must continue on an antibiotic for any reason, you may also need to take a long course of anti-yeast medication. One approach for diabetics who are prone to yeast infections is to start an anti-yeast medication prophylactically as soon as an antibiotic is started. Ask your doctor which plan is best for you.
5. Steroid-related fungal infections. It is not common for a diabetic patient to suffer from a separate condition (such as arthritis or asthma) for which steroid medications are prescribed. Steroids alone predispose to yeast infections, but doubly so in a diabetic, as they can raise blood sugar levels. Steroid pills, IVs, injections, and inhalers predispose to yeast infections. If you use a steroid inhaler, be sure to follow the instructions on how to rinse your mouth out afterward. If you get an injection in the knee for arthritis, be aware that elevated blood sugar readings and thrush may follow. For long-term steroid users, daily anti-yeast medication may be required.
It is rare for a yeast infection to be more serious than the situations described above. If you are diabetic and have problems with recurrent or prolonged infections, ask your doctor if there are any special measures you need to take. If your blood sugar is not under control, develop a plan with your doctor to take control of the situation.
Copyright 2010 Cynthia J. Koelker, MD