Infections as Diabetes Complications
If bacteria set in, they can destroy the bone in your tooth socket. This can cause sores on your gums.
If gums are inflamed, or infected, they will pull away from the teeth and jaw bone, and the situation can get even worse.
Bacteria will multiply in the newly created gap. The teeth may even become loose and fall out. If periodontitis is severe, your dentist may need to scrape the plaque from your teeth and remove tissue from around the root of the tooth.
Infectious Diseases. Common infectious diseases such as influenza or pneumonia are often more serious for people with diabetes and are more likely to result in hospitalization. Flu vaccines are recommended every year for adults and children (over the age of six months) with diabetes. All adults need a one-time pneumococcal vaccine.
What’s a Foot Ulcer?
The word ulcer probably brings stomach problems to mind. But foot ulcers are more common in people with diabetes than stomach ulcers.
An injured or infected area of the bottom of the foot can develop an ulcer. Layers of skin are destroyed by the infection, which causes an open area or hole. Foot ulcers are serious business. If you discover that you have a foot ulcer, you need to see your provider that day or go to an emergency room.
If untreated, the ulcers may go as deep as the bone and infect the bone, too. You’d be surprised at how quickly this happens. When infection is very deep, a part of the foot, or even the entire foot and leg, may need to be removed to save the person’s life. So don’t underestimate the importance of daily foot care, especially if you have any loss of feeling in your feet.
Vaginal Infections. Many women with diabetes also find that they are susceptible to vaginal yeast infections. This is due to the yeast Candida albicans, which flourishes in a moist environment nourished by high levels of glucose.
Candida or other vaginal infections can happen to women regardless or their age, sexual activity, or hygiene. They occur more often after menopause because estrogen levels are lower.
Estrogen helps to protect the vaginal lining. Infections are also more likely to occur just before your period, during pregnancy, or after you take antibiotics for another infection.