Diabetics and yeast infections
DURING Diabetes Awareness Week earlier this month, those in the health sector sought to highlight the disease, and its far reach on persons of all ages and both sexes.
One of the health drawbacks of the disease is the propensity towards yeast infections, suggesting that the sufferer’s blood glucose level is not as controlled as it should be.
“Because of the abnormal metabolism that diabetics already have, they are prone to all kinds of infections. Generally, yeast tends to live in all women, but in diabetics there is high blood sugar and lower resistance levels,” explains gynaecologist Dr Errol Daley from Gynae Associates.
Candida or yeast is the most common form of vaginal irritation. It is usually found in the most exposed and moist parts of the body, which is why most women experience an infection of this nature at least one time in their lifetime. Although yeast is a common thing and is present in the body, a change in the balance of the body’s acidity, or a pregnancy can cause Candida cells to increase and cause a yeast infection. So too can the use of oral contraceptives, condoms and antibiotics. Wearing damp or tight clothes can also result in a yeast infection.
For diabetics, yeast infections are more common because yeast thrives on sugar making them multiply even more. When blood sugar level rises, tissues might not function as effectively as they should. This interferes with the body’s immune system making it more difficult to prevent an infection.
Vaginal yeast is characterised by itching or discomfort around the vagina, and a thick or discoloured discharge. It can be accompanied by a foul odour and pain with urination and sexual intercourse.
“If you are having a yeast infection every month, this might be one of the symptoms of diabetes,” says Dr Daley.
As such, he advises women to get checked out when they have recurring infections to rule out diabetes.
“Yeast is easy to treat and there are lots of ways to treat it because it is a fungus and not a bacteria,” Dr Daley said.
The first step to treating yeast infection as a diabetic is to get your blood sugar level under control. This would probably result in a reduction in the infection. Yeast infection can also be treated with antifungal drugs which can take the form of creams, tablets or skin ointments that are available over the counter in most pharmacies.
In order to prevent it from coming back, it is important that you limit your use of scented products that can irritate the vagina. You should also try to keep the vaginal area ventilated by wearing cotton underwear or pantyhose with a cotton crotch. You should also speak to your doctor about ways to manage your diabetes.
