Common Infections in Diabetes

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Common Infections in Diabetes
November 24, 2008
Heather M. Ross,
About.com
Infections are of particular concern for diabetics. People with diabetes are more susceptible to developing infections, as high blood sugar levels can weaken the patient's immune system defenses. In addition, some diabetes-related health issues, such as nerve damage and reduced blood flow to the extremities, increase the body's vulnerability to infection.

What Kinds of Infections Are Diabetics Most Likely to Get?

People with diabetes are especially prone to foot infections, yeast infections, urinary tract infections and surgical site infections.

A diabetic's insulin injection sight can be a possible infection source. Injections provide a potential gateway for certain immune-suppressing agents to enter the blood. For example, common bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus can enter the blood system and cause what is known as a staph infection.

In addition, yeast cells (Candida albicans) that occur naturally in the mucous membranes (e.g., mouth, vagina, nose) can enter the blood system at the injection sight. These Candida cells then interfere with the normal infection-fighting action of white blood cells. With white blood cells impaired, Candida can replicate unchecked, causing yeast infections. High blood sugar levels contribute to this process.

Other Sources of Diabetes-Related Infection

Diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage) causes problems with sensation, particularly in the feet. This lack of sensation sometimes means foot injuries go unnoticed. Untreated injuries can lead to infection. Some types of neuropathy can also lead to dry, cracked skin, which allows a convenient entry point for infection into the body.

People with diabetes often have low blood flow to the extremities. With less blood flow, the body is less able to mobilize normal immune defenses and nutrients that promote the body's ability to fight infection and promote healing.

Why Are Infections Risky for People With Diabetes?

People with diabetes are more adversely affected when they get an infection than someone without the disease, because diabetics have weakened immune defenses. Studies have shown that diabetics (even those who have minimally elevated blood sugar levels) experience worse outcomes with infections. Diabetic patients in hospitals do not necessarily have a higher mortality rate due to infections, but they do face longer hospitalization and recovery times.

What Can Be Done to Avoid Infections?

One of the most important things that a person with diabetes can do to avoid infections is to practice careful foot care. In addition to wearing shoes and socks to avoid minor bumps and scrapes, the feet should be examined daily for any blisters, cuts, scrapes, sores or other skin problems that could allow an infection to develop. Meticulous foot and skin care is needed to ensure that minor cuts and scrapes do not turn into ulcerated infections that can migrate to the bloodstream and cause major problems.

Good urinary hygiene, especially for women, can help minimize the possibility of developing urinary tract infections. This includes proper toilet hygiene, prompt urination after sexual intercourse, regular emptying of the bladder and ample fluid intake.

Yeast infections can often be avoided by good vaginal care. This may include the avoidance of spermicides and douches. Eating foods with active cultures, such as yogurt containing acidophilus, can be helpful for preventing yeast infections.

Watch for Symptoms of Infection

Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of infections are important. People with diabetes should be vigilant about paying attention to any changes in their bodies that could signal an infection.

Some examples of body changes that diabetics should be alerted to can include a rise in body temperature or change in blood sugars; foul-smelling vaginal discharge; pain with urination, or cloudy, bloody or foul-smelling urine; difficulty or painful swallowing; changes in bowel habits; and warmth or redness at any cut or scrape, including minor trauma locations and surgical sites. Any of these symptoms should be noted and mentioned to the patient's healthcare team.

Diagnosing and Treating Infections

A health care provider may perform one or more tests to diagnose infection, including blood tests, microscopic examination of secretions, urine dipstick tests, x-rays and physical examination.

Healthcare providers may prescribe oral or topical antibiotics to treat some infections. Careful blood sugar control is important during any infection to promote healing and prevent further complications related to the infection.

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