Treatment Options for Yeast Infections with Diabetes
Treatment Options for Yeast Infections with Diabetes
Updated: November 4, 2008
From Heather M. Ross, writer for LifeWire, for About.com
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
Antifungal medications, available over the counter and by prescription, effectively treat yeast infections in people with diabetes. A health care professional should be consulted before starting any new medications because oral antifungals can interact with regular medications. Some people may prefer to use a vaginal medication. Experts suggest that yeast infections occurring in women with diabetes may require up to two weeks of treatment. Other topical or oral antifungal agents, such as nystatin, are available by prescription to treat yeast infections in areas other than the vagina.
The most important thing to remember when treating a yeast infection, especially for people with diabetes, is for them to take the full amount of medication recommended by their health care providers. When medications are stopped early, because the person feels better, the infection can return and be even stronger than before.
What Questions Should Be Asked?
Once a diagnosis is confirmed, women should ask their health care providers for treatment recommendations. For example, whether they should use a vaginal cream or if oral medications would help. People who experience four or more yeast infections per year should ask their health care providers to check that their diabetes is under control and not causing the yeast infections because of overly high blood sugar.
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