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5 Things You Must Know About Diabetes

Diabetics are prone to infections due to their high blood sugar levels. Yeast infection is the most common, often this is what leads to the patient being diagnosed with diabetes in the first place.

What can be done to control a situation like this?

Here are -

1. Vaginal yeast infection

Yeast is best suited to a warm, wet environment. This part of the body always has yeast present, but other germs help keep it under control. Once yeast starts to grow it can be very hard to keep under control. Anyone who suffers from reoccurring yeast infections should talk to a doctor, they may be diabetic. Yeast is not a STD, but with diabetics it can be, even more so if both partners are diabetic. If the fragile vaginal tissue becomes broken then STD`s can be transmitted between partners easily.

2. Thrush

Thrush is a yeast infection of the mouth. Diabetics who don't control there blood sugar levels often suffer this type of infection. Thrush can be treated using an oral or topical medication and practicing a strict oral hygiene routine

3. Intertrigo

This occurs with skin that overlaps leaving a moist fold. It is usually forms a red rash that gives off a pungent smell and is very itchy for the sufferer. Once again this is often caused by not controlling blood sugar levels. If the area is kept dry and the correct medicine is taken, it can be bought under control quite quickly. Wearing loose cotton clothing is a good idea as it helps the suffer to keep dry by offering more adequate ventilation.

4. Antibiotic yeast infection

The infections listed before can be caught by diabetics who need to take antibiotics for other conditions. Antibiotics will kill the normal flora germs, allowing the yeast to grow rapidly. Diabetics who suffer from conditions like acne and need to take antibiotics are especially at risk. The only way around this is to only take antibiotics that are essential. For example, you wouldn't need antibiotics for a cold, another form of medication should be used. If taking antibiotics is a must then an anti yeast course should be considered. It is always best to ask a doctor which medications he would advise you take.

5. Steroid infections.

Often diabetics suffer from other conditions like arthritis and asthma. These conditions require a steroid medication which in turn can cause yeast infections, especially in a diabetic person due to their raised blood sugar levels. Any medication connected to steroids such as pills, injections and inhalers can all cause a yeast infection. Rinsing of the mouth after using an inhaler limits the chance of a yeast infection. Arthritis sufferers will need steroid injections to help with the pain and to reduce the swelling, this will increase blood sugar levels and may lead to thrush. If a person is required to take steroids for long duration's then they should also be taking medication to control yeast infections.

Any diabetic with an infection that they have been suffering from for sometime should always go and see a professional and ask for advice. Creating a personalized daily plan in regard to blood sugar levels is a good way to take control of the situation.