Type 1 diabetes<\/a> is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks beta cells of the pancreas responsible for making insulin, so there is immune system involvement as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Having high blood glucose levels<\/a> increases the likelihood of infections by providing more sugar to feed bacteria. High blood glucose translates into high blood sugar in the urine of diabetic patients, which can feed infections of the urinary tract system as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Uncontrolled diabetes<\/a> impacts circulation, which is the process of your heart pumping oxygen-rich blood throughout your body. Having poor circulation means your body isn\u2019t receiving as much oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood that\u2019s needed to promote healing of infections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Infections can be very common or more rare and serious. An infection happens whenever a pathogen like a virus or bacteria enters your body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Infections can occur by breathing in droplets containing the pathogen (like the cold or flu), by touching an infected surface and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth, or by allowing exposed skin (like a wound) to a pathogen. Skin can become infected from not cleaning it or keeping it properly covered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Infections from bacteria can be treated using antibiotics, and fungal infections can be treated with antifungals. Infections from viruses aren\u2019t as easily treated, such as the common cold virus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are more common in patients with diabetes. The extra sugar in the urine from high blood sugar levels feeds bacteria and can lead to infection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Women are more likely to have a urinary tract infection than men because their urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body) is shorter than men\u2019s, allowing bacteria to enter the bladder more easily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If left untreated, a urinary tract infection can spread to your kidneys and become serious. Urinary tract infections are especially dangerous in pregnant diabetic patients, so prompt bladder infection treatment is necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of the symptoms of a urinary tract infection include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Excess sugar in the urine from high blood glucose can feed yeast and cause uncomfortable yeast infections. Yeast infections<\/a> are more common among women with diabetes<\/a> than those without diabetes since more sugar is in their urine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Having extra sugar in your blood feeds bacteria that can infect wounds. High blood glucose levels can delay wound healing and increase the risk of wound infections. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The most common reasons for amputations in people with diabetes are poorly healing diabetic foot ulcers<\/a>, which can spread to your leg. Diabetic foot ulcers can go unnoticed if you have neuropathy<\/a>, so regular foot checks are important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Diabetes increases the likelihood of being more severely impacted by common viruses like the flu<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The American Diabetes Association recommends that most people with type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes<\/a> receive the flu vaccine<\/a> each year to protect against severe illness from the flu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Streptococcus pneumoniae is a type of bacteria that can cause pneumonia<\/a>, an infection of the lungs that can cause trouble breathing, and complications among older people or those with respiratory issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Like the flu vaccine, it\u2019s recommended that diabetic patients aged 65 and older receive the pneumonia vaccine to protect against severe complications from pneumonia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Diabetic patients are at increased risk of developing ear infections. Infections from the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa <\/em>cause severe pain and can result in drainage from the affected ear(s). <\/p>\n\n\n\n Antibacterial ear drops are prescribed to treat painful ear infections, which can lead to hearing loss if severe and left untreated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The most common type of fungus impacting diabetic patients is Candida albicans, the same kind of fungus that causes thrush. Diabetic patients can develop rashes from this yeast-like fungus<\/a> anywhere on their skin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The most common types of fungal infections impacting people with type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes are jock itch, athlete\u2019s foot, yeast infections in women, and ringworm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s a rarer infection, but having diabetes can increase your chance of developing a serious infection from Rhizopus oryzae in your nose and sinuses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Infection from Rhizopus oryzae typically impacts diabetic patients with an altered immune system and is a complication of diabetic ketoacidosis<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the ways your body will alert you that there is a problem (such as infection) is through raised blood glucose levels. Illness and infection cause stress on your body, causing the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. <\/p>\n\n\n\n These stress hormones cause elevated blood sugar levels and can be a cue that you\u2019re fighting an infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of the general symptoms of skin infection <\/strong>to watch out for include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Infections from a virus like the cold or flu have symptoms like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n You should seek medical attention if you have an infected wound since wound healing is delayed in patients with diabetes. Contact your healthcare provider if you have a deep wound, a wound that is oozing fluids, or a wound that is increasing in redness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When in doubt, err on the side of caution and contact your healthcare provider, even with a call to the nurse\u2019s triage line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have type 1 diabetes, you need to watch for signs of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious condition that can arise from being ill with an infection. Left untreated, DKA can be fatal, so it\u2019s crucial to be aware of the symptoms and get prompt medical treatment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You should seek immediate care if you have symptoms of DKA, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Respiratory infections like the common cold are usually mild. However, certain infections can spread to your lungs and cause pneumonia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Signs of a serious respiratory infection that warrant medical treatment include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Having good glycemic control is the best way to reduce your risk of infections. If you have type 1 diabetes, that means taking your insulin<\/a> as prescribed, whether through an insulin pump<\/a> or insulin injections. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have type 2 diabetes, you can control your blood sugar levels through diet and\/or medication, depending on your overall blood glucose control and how long you\u2019ve had diabetes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some other ways people with type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes can help prevent infections:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Healthy skin is less likely to become damaged, which can increase the risk of a wound and infection setting in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The American Diabetes Association recommends following good skin care habits such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s recommended that diabetic patients receive the flu vaccine every year. Your healthcare provider may also recommend you get the COVID-19 vaccine since people with diabetes are more likely to suffer more serious side effects from COVID-19<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Eating a diet rich in plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, healthy fats, and lean protein can help support healthy blood glucose levels. Avoid sugar-sweetened beverages and choose unsweetened drinks like water or tea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moderate-intensity exercise can help improve your glycemic control. Exercise can even support your immune system<\/a> as long as it\u2019s not too vigorous in intensity or duration (like marathon training), which can be detrimental to your immune system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is a correlation between diabetes and infection risk. Promoting good glycemic control among patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes is the best way to reduce the risk of developing infections. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Contact your healthcare provider for guidance if you think you have an infection. Early intervention is crucial for reducing side effects and complications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When your immune system can\u2019t fight off things like bacteria, wounds are more likely to become infected. Infected wounds are more complicated and take longer to heal<\/a>, and may lead to complications like amputations<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Infections Are You At Risk For With Diabetes? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Urinary tract infections<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Yeast infection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Diabetic foot infections<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Influenza<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Streptococcus pneumoniae<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Ear infections<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Fungal infections<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Rare but serious sinus infection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Symptoms Of Infection To Look Out For<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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When To See A Doctor<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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How Can People With Diabetes Prevent Infections?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Practice good skincare habits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/li>\n\n\n\nReceive vaccines as recommended by your healthcare provider<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Get regular physical activity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Explore More<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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