Does Diabetes Causes Fungal Infection?

Diabetes is a common and serious condition, where the blood sugar levels rise up quickly. Excessive levels of blood sugar often have a number of health complications associated with it, such as nerve damage, kidney damage, cardiovascular diseases, and eye damage. However, not many people are aware that diabetes can lead to fungal infections as well.

People living with diabetes are more likely to develop skin problems, particularly fungal infections because high levels of sugar in the bloodstream can weaken the immune system. Moreover, certain diabetes-related ailments like nerve damage and low blood circulation to the extremities make you vulnerable to infections.

Common fungal infections in diabetic patients

An individual diagnosed with diabetes is prone to the following skin problems –

• Foot infections

• Yeast infection

• Urinary tract infection

• Surgical site infections

The yeast cells often occupy your mucous membrane – nose, vagina, or mouth. These cells impede the white blood cells from fighting off infections.

Diabetic neuropathy causes sensation related problems in the feet. Sometimes, due to lack of sensation, foot injuries often go unnoticed. Untreated injuries lead to foot infections. Certain forms of neuropathy even cause the skin to become dry and cracked, thus, making it easier for harmful fungi to enter the body. Studies reveal that even patients having slightly elevated blood glucose levels experience the worst outcomes with fungal infections.

Signs to look out for

Fungal infections caused by diabetes exhibit the following symptoms –

• Pain while urinating

• Bloody, cloudy or foul-smelling discharge from the vagina

• Pain and difficulty swallowing

• Redness or warmth at any scrape or cut

• Changes in bowel habits

The symptoms vary according to the type of infection you have. In any case, consult a doctor and ask for remedies to cure the condition.

The best way to overcome diabetes complications is to bring down your blood glucose levels with the help of medications and lifestyle changes. Additionally, you will also need to adopt measures to avoid infections by practising foot care, skin care, and good hygiene.