Complications of Diabetes:
Infections
How do infections
occur as a complication of diabetes?
High blood sugar
levels decrease the ability of white blood cells to fight infection. As
a result, people with diabetes tend to get infections more easily, especially
when blood sugar levels are elevated.
People with diabetes
are at risk for the following infections: bladder or kidney infections;
thrush, gum disease, and other mouth infections; fungal infections; infections
of the vagina; wound infections; and foot infections. Even a small cut
on the foot may not heal well and become serious if not treated.
How are the infections
treated?
Antibiotics are usually
prescribed for infections. Because infections can quickly become serious
for people with diabetes and may take longer to heal when blood sugars
are high, frequent follow-up visits may be needed.
How can I take
care of myself?
- Seek treatment
at the first sign of infection. Even minor cuts can become seriously
infected, if not treated.
- Keep your blood
sugar as close to normal as is safe for you.
- Watch for sores
in your mouth or on your lips, especially white, painful patches on
your tongue or in your mouth. These may be signs of thrush. Thrush
is a fungal infection that can spread internally to other parts of
your body if it is not treated.
- Call your doctor
if you notice changes in color or odor of your urine, burning or painful
urination, or any discharge from the vagina or penis.
- Examine your
feet at the end of each day to make sure there are no reddened areas,
cuts, or scrapes that could become infected. You may see cuts or sores
you cannot feel if you have nerve damage from diabetes.
- After bathing,
carefully dry between your toes to prevent skin breakdown. Use lotion
to moisturize the skin. Skin that is dry and cracked offers openings
for bacteria to enter and cause infection.
- Using razor
blades or chemical products to treat corns or calluses can cause serious
injuries to your feet.
- Protect your
feet. Wear well-fitting shoes and socks.
- Call your doctor
right away if you have symptoms of an infection, you suspect something
is wrong (for example, you have a fever), or if a minor injury is
not healing.
Information provided (reviewed) by Marth Funnell,
MS, RN, CDE, Michigan Diabetes Research and Training Center, October,
2002.
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This
information is approved and/or reviewed by U-M Health System providers
but it is not a tool for self-diagnosis or a substitute for medical
treatment. You should speak to your physician or make
an appointment to be seen if you have questions or concerns about
this information or your medical condition.