Diabetes and Infections
Key points
- A person with diabetes mellitus is at higher risk for infections than other people.
- The signs and symptoms vary depending on the type of infection present.
- He or she will also try to determine what may have led to the infection.
- There are a number of ways to prevent or decrease the risk of infection related to diabetes.
A person with diabetes mellitus is at higher risk for infections than other people.
What is going on in the body?
Diabetes mellitus, also called DM, is a condition that makes it hard for the body to control the level of glucose in the blood. The result is a high level of glucose in the blood, known as hyperglycemia. An increased level of glucose in the blood can cause a number of problems. This, along with other factors, makes a person with DM more susceptible to infections. These infections may include:
- foot and leg infections, including diabetic foot ulcers, which are caused by poor circulation and nerve damage, known as diabetic neuropathy
- Vaginal Yeast Infection in women and jock itch in men
- ringworm and athlete's foot
- styes, which are infections of the eyelid
- boils, which are infections of the hair follicles
- carbuncles, which are infections of the tissue immediately under the skin
- nail infections
- Urinary tract infections
- gum infections, known as gingivitis
- lung and sinus infections
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
The causes of infections in a person with diabetes vary depending on the type of infection present. For example, nerve damage and poor circulation are seen in many people with diabetes. It may be hard for the person to notice cuts or breakdown of the skin on the feet. Feet can become infected without proper foot care.
Symptoms & Signs
The signs and symptoms vary depending on the type of infection present. Skin infections may cause hot, red, swollen, or inflamed tissues. This is especially true in areas where the skin is irritated or broken open. Gum infections may produce pain, swelling, and redness in the gum line. Urinary tract infections may cause cloudy or bloody urine or painful urination. Vaginal Infections may cause itching, vaginal discharge, or pain.
Other signs of infection that should be reported to a doctor include:
- deep cough that produces phlegm
- difficulty breathing, or shortness of breath
- fever
- nausea and vomiting
- weakness
Diagnosis & Tests
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.
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