Yeast Infection Signs and Diabetes

So, because elevated blood glucose equals increased sugar in body secretions, your tissues don't function normally. This means your defense against yeast overgrowth is decreased.

Anyone with any type of diabetes is at risk of increased yeast infection signs.

Not sure what your risk is? Try this Diabetes Risk Calculator from the American Diabetes Association.

Knowing that high blood sugar levels may be a contributor of yeast infection signs gives you another reason to control sugar levels.

What is the best blood sugar level for you? To be sure, you should talk to your doctor. But generally, your morning and before meal blood sugar level should be in the 100-110 range. All blood has some glucose in it.

If you don't have diabetes, the normal range is about 70 to 120.

When you eat, blood glucose goes up. Usually, 1 or 2 hours after eating blood glucose returns to the normal range. If you have diabetes, a common target is no more than 140 after a meal.

Ask your health provider to check your blood glucose with a meter. Talk about what blood glucose targets are best for you. A handy Blood Sugar Tracker form like this one may help.

It may be hard to reach your target range all of the time. But the closer you get to your goal, the more you will reduce your risk of diabetes-related problems such as developing yeast infection signs and symptoms. And, the better you will feel.

A high blood sugar level, not only makes you more susceptible to yeast infection signs and symptoms, but also complicates your total health. When blood sugars are high they affect the body's ability to fight off other bacteria and viruses - not just Candida Albicans yeast.

Understanding this link, helps to realize one complication that may happen from diabetes.

Don't be shy. Talk to your health provider if you are experiencing yeast infection signs and symptoms. This can help fine-tune medication and your doctor can suggest lifestyle changes to better control your blood sugar.

High blood sugar is like a poison and you need to get control of it.

Having a doctor diagnose you is crucial. They can discuss yeast infection signs with you. They can do a microscope slide test of vaginal secretions. Remember, don't douche or start treatment before seeing your doctor.

Treatment options are the same as for women without diabetes.

If you are experiencing yeast infection signs and symptoms, antifungals will help.

Some gynecologists recommend only starting an over the counter treatment (OTC) on your own once your doctor has confirmed the diagnosis. Antifungal medication can be OTC or prescription. Consult your health care provider because antifungals may interact with regular medications. You can choose from oral or vaginal treatment. You could also explore home remedies. Treatment length can be 1 day, 3 day, 7 day or 14 day. Usually, diabetic patients are recommended the longer course of treatment.

Don't hesitate to go back to your doctor if your yeast infection signs and symptoms don't clear up.

Most women who get a yeast infection are not diabetic. However, whether you have diabetes or not, understanding how blood sugar levels can impact your yeast infection signs help all of us think a bit harder the next time we reach for that sugary dessert. Maybe it is just too bloody sweet.

Related resources:

Previous  | 1 |  2 | 

Return to main All About Yeast - Signs of a Yeast Infection page.

Summary Questions

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

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

3. 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?

• 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

Return to top | Back to the questions

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

Return to top | Back to the questions

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

Return to top | Back to the questions

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

Return to top | Back to the questions

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

Return to top | Back to the questions

Previous  | 1 |  2 | 

Return to main All About Yeast - Signs of a Yeast Infection page.