What Are Infections?
Infections happen to everyone, but people with diabetes may be more susceptible to complications from infections than others.
Infections occur when pathogens like bacteria or fungi invade a part of the body and begin multiplying. This process can – but does not always – lead to tissue injury or an eventual disease.
Infections can occur on your skin, on your feet, in your kidneys, and on or in your gums.
A host of other possible infections exist, such as:
- Urinary tract infections, which commonly occur in women with diabetes. Treatment with antibiotics usually clears up the infection.
- Kidney infections, such as pyelonephritis, often accompanied by severe pain in the side.
- Pneumonia, which may occur more severely in people with diabetes.
- Mucormycosis, a serious, rare, fungal infection that can cause pain in the eyes or face and spread quickly through the nervous system and into the brain.
What Causes an Infection?
Diabetes might slow down the ability of your body to fight infections.
When your blood sugar measures high, the level of sugar in body tissues increases. This helps bacteria grow quickly, which in turn, can lead to infections. Because the blood sugar of many people with diabetes often fluctuates, they face an increased chance of developing infections.
Also, diabetes sometimes damages small blood vessels, increasing the likelihood of developing infections of the organs and soft tissues. Researchers are investigating other relationships between infection and diabetes.
What Are the Symptoms of an Infection?
The signs of an infection often depend on the location of the infection. Some of the more common symptoms include:
- Warm, red, swollen patches of skin
- Skin rash
- A wound, cut, or sore that doesn’t heal
- Fever over 101° F
- Sweating or chills
- White patches in the mouth or on the tongue
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Flu-like symptoms or just feeling “lousy”
- Vaginal itching
- Pain or burning with urination
How Can You Treat Infections?
Because so many different infections could develop, a wide variety of treatments exist. Your doctor will identify your best treatment options depending on your particular infection.
How Can You Prevent Infections?
- Keep your blood sugar levels in the range your doctor recommends so as to limit the amount of sugar that builds up in your tissues.
- Wash your hands regularly to avoid spreading germs.
- Keep your kitchen and bathroom – where lots of germs gather – clean and disinfected.
- Take any prescription drugs as prescribed.
- Avoid over-using antibiotics to give them a better chance to work when you really need them.
- Avoid injury and trauma as best you can.
- Check you feet each day. Look for any sores, blisters, or cuts, and let your doctor know if you find any.
- After bathing, check your body for any signs of an infection, such as swollen areas, redness, or discharge where it does not belong.
