Several individual infections are quite common in people with diabetics. Of these some infections are very severe when they occur in diabetic patients and often complications develop rapidly. Vaginal yeast infection is a case in point.
Yeast
is a common microorganism found among the normal flora
of the human body. It thrives on sugars called glycogen
and glucose. When a person has diabetes both these
sugars are available in plenty and the yeast reproduces
at a furious rate. The diabetes raises the sugar content
as well as the pH of the vagina and increases the risk
of yeast infection. Uncontrolled blood sugar leads to
unchecked growth of Candida leading to vaginal yeast
infection. Also, the hyperglycemia brings about a
complex biochemical change in the body and the immune
function is depressed resulting in various infections.
The antioxidant system associated with bactericidal
activity is also disrupted. Decreased vaginal
lubrication, often a common complaint among diabetic
women, may also be one of the factors for increased
incidence of vaginal yeast infections. In women with
diagnosed diabetes mellitus, the vaginal yeast infection
can be controlled with antibiotics and blood sugar
controlling drugs. But such patients must refrain from
using over-the-counter medications. It is critical that
they visit their medical practitioner and follow his
advice.
A
woman with diabetes and vaginal yeast infection
is more susceptible to other infections as well.
Combination of high blood sugar and yeast infection is a
double whammy, as it further reduces the ability of the
body to fight off other pathogens. As the body tries to
overcome the infection, the blood sugar levels may
become much higher or lower than normal. The fluctuating
blood sugar levels are dangerous in diabetic patients.
In some women recurring vaginal yeast infections may be
the first sign of diabetes. It is advisable to check
blood glucose levels first before looking for other
causes. One study indicated that diabetic women with
vaginal yeast infection responded poorly to single dose
of 150 mg of fluconazole therapy. This was probably
because in women with diabetes the vaginal yeast
infection was caused by Candida glabrata rather than
more common Candida albicans.
In summary, in patients with diabetes, a low-grade vaginal yeast infection with frequent recurrences is common and the controlling the blood sugar is as important as treatment with antifungal medications. Intermittent long-term therapy with antifungal medication is often the treatment of choice. But since the Candida infections in diabetics involve multiple factors, a more holistic approach is essential as it is imperative to bring about lifestyle changes, behavioral modifications, detoxify the body, control the Candida and keep blood glucose at optimal levels.
