Diabetes and Yeast Infections

There is a definite link between diabetes and yeast infections. Elevated blood sugar increases your chances of having a yeast infection. Although I have never had Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, I do have some history with diabetes and yeast infections. During my last pregnancy in 2004, I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes. This condition developed in my third trimester when I was 34 weeks along. My diabetes was considered borderline. I was able to keep my blood sugar controlled with food and exercise. It is interesting to know about the links between diabetes and yeast infections. Many women develop type 2 diabetes or have type 1. Also, gestational diabetes is quite common. Although I am normal body weight and don't have diabetes, this info about the link makes me go "Hmmmmmm". It is good for everyone to understand the negative impact of elevated blood sugar levels.

1. What is the link between diabetes and yeast infections?

2. Does the type of diabetes matter for how much risk I am to get a yeast infection?

4. What is the best way to prevent yeast infections if I have diabetes?

5. Why should I go to a doctor, naturopath or health provider?

6. What types of treatment should diabetics use?

1. What is the link between yeast infections and diabetes?

• have a higher risk to get yeast infections
• because of increased sugar in the blood (blood glucose) - the body tissues don't function normally and your defenses are lower
• because your defenses are lower, yeast grow abnormally without the body being able to stop it
• when the body is fighting a yeast infection and fighting high blood sugar - the body has to work even harder to fight off other bacteria and viruses

2. What are the symptoms for diabetes' related yeast infections?

• Most common - severe, intense itching in and around the vaginal and genital areas
• soreness
• burning
• vaginal discharge (usualy odorless, whitish, thick appearance and texture, like cottage cheese, may by slightly yellow-tinged)
• pain during sexual intercourse
• pain or burning when urinating
• red and swollen vulvar area (vaginal tissues)
• irritation on vagina and surrounding outer tissues

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3. Does the type of diabetes matter for how much risk I am to get a yeast infection?

• the type of diabetes doesn't matter
• elevated blood sugar is what causes the increased risks
• people with Type 1, Type 2 and gestational diabetes all are at an increased risk

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4. What is the best way to prevent yeast infections if I have diabetes?

• control your blood sugar level
• keep your blood glucose in the normal range recommended by your doctor

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5. Why should I go to a doctor, naturopath or health provider?

• if you are unsure, go get yourself checked out
• it is always best to be overly cautious when it comes to your own health
• if you are familiar with yeast infections, you may want to self-treat
• if you are pregnant, go see a health professional

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6. What types of treatment should diabetics use?

• the treatment options are the same for women with or without diabetes
• using the whole treatment is recommended
• often the longer treatment may work best if you have diabetes

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