Diabetes And Infections

Definition

A person with diabetes mellitus is at higher risk for infections than other people.

What is going on in the body?

Diabetes mellitus (abbreviated as DM, but sometimes simply referred to as "diabetes"), is a condition that makes it hard for the body to move glucose, the main form of sugar in the body, from the blood into the cells. The resulting higher than normal level of glucose in the blood, known as hyperglycemia, can cause a number of symptoms and illnesses.

A person with DM is more susceptible to infections generally. These infections may include: foot and leg infections, including diabetic foot ulcers, which are caused by poor circulation and nerve damage, known as diabetic neuropathyvaginal yeast infections in women and jock itch in menringworm and athlete's footstyes, which are infections of the eyelidboils, which are infections of the hair folliclescarbuncles, which are infections of the tissue immediately under the skinnail infectionsurinary tract infections gum infections, known as gingivitis lung and sinus infections

Symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?

The signs and symptoms vary depending on the type of infection present. Skin infections may cause hot, red, swollen, or inflamed tissues, especially where the skin is irritated or broken open. Gum infections may produce pain, swelling, and redness in the gum line. Urinary tract infections may cause cloudy or bloody urine or painful urination. Vaginal infections may cause itching, vaginal discharge, or pain.

Other signs of infection that should be reported to a doctor include: deep cough that produces phlegmdifficulty breathing, or shortness of breathfevernausea and vomitingweakness

Risks

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

The causes of infections in a person with diabetes vary depending on the type of infection present. For example, nerve damage and poor circulation are seen in many people with diabetes. It may be hard for the person to notice cuts or breakdown of the skin on the feet. Feet can become infected without proper foot care.

Prevention

What can be done to prevent the condition?

There are a number of ways to prevent or decrease the risk of infection related to diabetes. The key is to control blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, and medicines. Other factors that may decrease the risk of infections include: daily foot care. This includes checking for open areas in the skin.regular toothbrushing and dental visitsavoiding smoking, which can worsen circulation problemsbeing vaccinated against influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia

Diagnosed

How is the condition diagnosed?

A healthcare professional takes a medical history and performs a physical exam to determine what may have led to the infection. Blood tests are often done to see if there are bacteria in the blood that may be causing the infection. If there is pus at a site of infection, it may be examined for bacteria to determine its cause. In some cases, X-rays may be needed to assess the extent of the infection.

Long Term Effects

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

Long-term effects may include: kidney damage from frequent infections, leading to end-stage renal diseasedental problems and gum disease, including gingivitis and periodontitispermanent skin damageamputation for progressive infection of the feet or legs

Other Risks

What are the risks to others?

Infections linked with diabetes may be spread to others, depending on their cause.

Treatments

What are the treatments for the condition?

A key element in treating infection is getting the person's blood sugar level under control with diet and medications sometimes including insulin. Antibiotics are often used for treating bacterial infections.

Antifungal medicines may be used for treating infections caused by a fungus. Topical antibiotic creams may be used for treating some mild skin infections. In cases of more severe skin or bone infections, surgery may be needed to remove the infected tissue.

Side Effects

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Antibiotics and antifungal medicines can cause stomach upset and allergic reactions. Surgery can be complicated by bleeding, further infection, or an allergic reaction to anesthetic.

After Treatment

What happens after treatment for the condition?

Treatment of diabetes will last a lifetime. Diabetes usually cannot be cured, but it can be controlled with careful management and treatment.

Monitor

How is the condition monitored?

Monitoring for infections related to diabetes is a lifelong process. A person who has the disease will be advised to check his or her blood sugar daily. Blood tests, urine tests, foot and skin exams, eye exams, and visits with dietitians and other specialists are all part of routine monitoring and care for people with diabetes. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare professional.