Yeast Infections: An Issue For Women With Diabetes
Most, but not all, yeast infections are caused by fungal organisms that live in your mouth, gastrointestinal tract or skin. People have natural bacteria that keep a healthy amount of this fungus in their bodies. If this balance is lost, a yeast infection can develop. TYPES OF YEAST INFECTIONS Yeast infections are a common cause of irritation of the vagina. About 75 percent of women have a vaginal yeast infection at some point in their lives. You can also have a yeast infection in areas such as your mouth, between fingers and toes and in folds of skin. Infections in these places cause an itchy, painful rash. Women with diabetes should keep in mind that onychomycosis is also common in people with diabetes. This is a fungal infection of the fingernails or toenails that can disfigure or destroy the nail. Yeast infections can also develop in the blood stream, usually as a result of a serious illness. CAUSES There are several causes for yeast infections. Often, they start because of hormone changes. They can also happen if your body is under stress or if you have an illness, such as diabetes. Yeast infections can also start when you take antibiotics to treat another infection. In these cases, the antibiotics kill the bacteria that caused your original infection, but may also kill or decrease the amount of good bacteria that keep the healthy balance in your body. Then, too much fungus grows and a yeast infection develops. If your blood glucose levels are often high, your resistance to infection may be lower, which could lead to a yeast infection. Yeast is fed by glucose, so if your blood glucose is too high, it may be easier to get a yeast infection and be harder to get rid of it. HOW DO I TREAT A YEAST INFECTION? If you have a yeast infection there are many types of treatment Continue reading >>
What Are The Causes Of A Yeast Infection Under The Breasts?
Yeast infections of the skin, also called cutaneous candida, often occur under the breasts as well as other areas of the body. Yeast normally lives on skin tissue and grows readily in moist, warm environments. Skin beneath the breasts is the perfect host for yeast overgrowth if perspiration or other moisture is allowed to remain on the breast folds. Other conditions can prompt yeast infections to form beneath breasts as well. Video of the Day Both men and women with large breasts may have more trouble with yeast infections. Breasts that lie against the upper body create a warm, moist space for yeast to grow. Additionally, those who are overweight or obese may have additional folds of skin beneath the breasts. These folds can retain moisture and be more difficult to keep dry, resulting in yeast infections. Cleansing beneath the breasts and drying skin thoroughly may help decrease the risk of yeast growth. Medline Plus, a division of the National Institutes of Health, recommends using antifungal powder beneath the breasts, if appropriate, to control moisture and inhibit yeast growth. Women may find wearing a cotton bra helpful, as cotton allows for better air circulation and drying of skin. Diabetes is a medical condition that causes an imbalance of blood sugar and insulin in the body. Diabetes affects nearly every system in the body, according to the American Diabetes Association, including the skin, which can make yeast infections more common in people with the disease. A diabetic may develop yeast infections under the breasts and other body areas as well, including the groin, feet and vagina. Maintaining proper blood sugar control and paying close attention to diabetes management can reduce the amount and severity of yeast infections. The body normally hosts yeast that Continue reading >>
Diseases Of The Urinary System
In the last two newsletters, we explored both the anatomy of the urinary system and the physiology of the urinary system. In this issue, we'll examine what can go wrong. My intent here is not to explore the details of diseases of the urinary system, but rather, to explore their actual impact on the system. Why? Quite simply, if we understand what degrades the tissue and functions of the different parts of the urinary system, we have a chance to do something about it -- to either prevent those things from happening in the first place, or reverse them after the fact -- rather than merely managing symptoms. In other words, I intend to explore the diseases of the urinary system from the alternative health perspective that disease is the final manifestation of a series of events and choices rather than the medical perspective that disease is an isolated event unto itself. (Note: although kidney and bladder cancer kill some 28,000 people a year in the US,1,2 we will not discuss them at this time but save them for a future discussion when we explore the anatomy and physiology of cancer itself.) With the above perspective in mind, we're now going to examine the relationship of the following disease states to the urinary system: Diabetes High blood pressure Low blood pressure Infection (bacterial and yeast) Interstitial cystitis Kidney stones Kidney Sludge Diabetes Diabetes is not a disease of the kidneys; but as we discussed in our exploration of the endocrine system, it is a disease of the pancreas. But that said, diabetes nevertheless has a huge impact on the health of your kidneys. The basics in terms of diabetes and the kidneys are simple. As we explained last newsletter, any excretion of glucose in the urine is abnormal. As a result of a simple filtration process, 100% of Continue reading >>
Why Do Diabetics Get Yeast Infections?
Yeast infections can occur in your vagina, mouth, gut or on your skin. In healthy adults, a yeast infection is not life threatening, just irritating. If you’re suffering from a vaginal yeast infection, it can present with constant itching, redness and a vaginal discharge. Many women with a yeast infection of the vagina develop burning sensation while urinating or when having sexual intercourse. Although more than 70% of women experience at least one episode of a yeast infection in their lifetime, women who have type 2 diabetes experience them more frequently. How Does a Vaginal Yeast Infection Develop in Diabetic Women? The vaginal area has yeast and other bacteria as part of the normal flora. There is a balance between the two organisms so that they don’t cause any problems. However, if there is a change in the balance of these organisms, then an infection becomes a reality. Studies show that the one condition that is known to induce multiplication of yeast in the vagina is diabetes. The sugar from the blood circulation can leak into the vaginal secretions and it produces an excellent medium for growth. Is High Blood Sugar the Only Factor? The exact association between the yeast and blood sugar levels is not well understood. Yeast infections also occur more frequently even when the blood sugar levels are well controlled in diabetics. Some experts believe that besides the sugar levels, diabetes also affects the function of white cells, which normally protect the body from foreign substances like viruses and bacteria. There is ample evidence indicating that white cell function in diabetics is diminished and that also explains why yeast infections are common. How to Treat a Vaginal Yeast Infection in Diabetic Women? For most diabetic women, the management of a yeast i Continue reading >>
Reoccurring & Chronic Yeast Infections? 10 Causes Of Thrush
Vaginal thrush, or a yeast infection, is one of those things that you can refer to, sarcastically, as "part of the joy of being a woman". They're incredibly common, with up to 75 percent of women experiencing a yeast infection at least once over a lifetime, which means that you're likely familiar with them and their cause: an overgrowth of the fungus candida albicans in the vagina, causing thick white discharge, pain, sensitivity, and redness. It's not particularly pleasant. But if you seem to be getting reoccurring, chronic yeast infections, there may be something less obvious at work, from an immunodeficiency to an estrogen shift to a recent sexual partner with the same issue. They're common, but that doesn't mean they aren't complex or, in some cases, a bit mysterious. If you have what's called recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVCC), or yeast infections that occur four or more times in a year, you may have hope on the horizon; a vaccine is currently in clinical trials to test whether it's more effective than a placebo in preventing RVVC. And while we're still in a world where one's tendency to get chronic yeast infections can't be cured, it's important to look at the potential causes of them. Plus, you may not even have a yeast infection at all; other things can masquerade as thrush but not actually have the same diagnosis. So here are 10 potential causes of reoccurring yeast infections. I'm sorry, and I hope you get a hold of some decent medication and loose pants as soon as possible. 1. You're Pregnant Carrying around a bundle of joy may not necessarily be fun if you're also prone to yeast infections during your pregnancy, but you can be (slightly) comforted by the fact that it's common. Pregnancy often prompts an uptick in candida albicans in the vagina, becaus Continue reading >>
What You Should Know About Diet And Yeast Infections
It’s not really a topic that anyone likes to spend much time thinking about, but yeast infections are incredibly common – up to 75% of women will get at least one yeast infection in their life, and 5-8% have chronically recurring symptoms (4 or more infections every year). To put it mildly, yeast infections are unpleasant and most people would rather avoid them. More seriously, getting a yeast infection often means taking antifungal or antimicrobial drugs, which can rebound on the gut microbiome in various different ways. Since healthy gut flora is so important for good overall health, it’s just prudent to minimize the number of times in your life you have to drop a firebomb on it. All kinds of factors can influence a particular woman’s susceptibility to yeast infections. For example, pregnant women get them more often. Oral contraceptives are a risk factor. For whatever reason, Black women get them more often. It has nothing to do with hygiene or cleanliness, and it’s not a sign of “dirtiness.” But it is sometimes influenced by diet in various different ways, so here’s what the research says about ways that diet can raise – or lower – the risk of a yeast infection. What Are Yeast Infections? Yeast infections are caused by the fungus Candida albicans – yes, that candida. Candida can get into the vagina via transfer from the anus, but there’s no clear relationship between Candida in the gut and yeast infections. Just a quick note: some alternative medicine practitioners believe chronic, subclinical infection with Candida albicans can cause all kinds of diseases and symptoms – this is what people usually mean when they talk about “candida.” Candida in that sense is a serious bone of contention because there’s no consensus about whether or n Continue reading >>
Diabetes And Yeast Infections: What You Need To Know
Yeast lives naturally in our bodies. However, if it begins to overgrow and become a yeast infection, it may cause problems. Yeast can be found in the skin and near mucous membranes and helps to keep neighboring bacteria in check. A buildup of yeast is called a yeast infection and can cause pain, itchiness, and discomfort. In this article, we explore the causes, symptoms, and possible treatments for yeast infections. Contents of this article: Overview Yeast thrives in warm moist areas so yeast infections can occur in several places: the mouth the genitals beneath the breasts under folds of skin Out of these, vaginal yeast infections are the most common. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 75 percent of women will have had a vaginal yeast infection at least once in their lives. How diabetes and yeast infections are linked People with poorly-controlled diabetes are at a higher risk of more severe and frequent yeast infections. Researchers are still trying to understand completely how diabetes is linked to yeast overgrowth. However, there is evidence of several possibilities: Extra sugars in yeast-friendly areas When blood glucose levels are high, extra sugars may be secreted in: mucus sweat urine As yeast feeds on sugar, these secretions are the most obvious culprits for overgrowth. Increased levels of glycogen, a polysaccharide used to store glucose, also occur with diabetes. Extra glycogen in the vaginal area can lead to a decrease in pH, which aids yeast growth. A study in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology provides evidence for this, using female diabetic rats. Compromised immune system Poorly-controlled diabetes has been shown to hinder the immune response. This could be part of the reason why someone with diabetes might h Continue reading >>
Can Type 2 Diabetes Cause Yeast Infections?
Nov. 10, 2015 – A major reason why diabetics need be particularly cautious for their general well being is owing to the fact that type 2 diabetes makes one inclined to numerous kinds of diseases. These diseases in diabetes are not just more common but also have a tendency to be more aggravated and extremely hard to treat. Why are diabetics more susceptible to infections? Diabetics exist in a high sugar state a great deal of the time unless they are in outstanding diabetic control. Diabetes weakens the immune system by harming the capacity of the neutrophils to fight against diseases, by reducing the impacts of antioxidants on the body and by harming the hormonal immunity, which includes the antibody system. Moreover, blood flow can be meager in diabetics and as such, diabetics cannot get adequate blood to the infected areas. Our urine shows a diminished antibacterial action and the gastrointestinal tract does not adequately expel microbes and yeast. Diabetics get more intrusive medical examinations, which may contribute to more infection risk. These factors all add up to form a heightened danger of microbial and fungi infection. Yeast infections cases in diabetics Diabetics are distinctive in their aptitude to contact yeast diseases. Luckily, a large portion of them are not severe and merely require medical attention. Some of the primary diabetic yeast infections a diabetic can have include: Vaginal infections. Yeast survives extremely well in a warm, damp, and high in sugar environment. These settings are present in a diabetic woman’s vagina. They likewise seem to flourish in the higher pH of the vagina so a douche containing a tad bit of vinegar can have a positive effect when utilized once per week to ensure the vagina remains acidic. Mouth infections. Individual Continue reading >>
Vaginal Yeast Infections & Diabetes: What’s The Connection?
Yeast infections are a common female condition. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 75 percent of women will experience a vaginal yeast infection at least once in their lifetime. Yeast infections may also be a sign of diabetes. In fact, a gynecologist is often first to discover diabetes. What Causes Yeast Infection Vaginal yeast infection is an infection of the vagina due to an overgrowth of the fungus candida albicans. “A normal healthy vagina contains bacteria and yeast at all times,” says Lucille Hughes MSN/Ed, CDE, BC-ADM, FAADE, Director of Diabetes Education, South Nassau Communities Hospital, New York. “It is when the balance between the two is off that yeast can multiply and cause symptoms of a yeast infection.” This imbalance can happen if you are taking antibiotics used to treat another infection, are pregnant, obese or have diabetes. Infections, in general, appear to be more common in people with diabetes when blood glucose – also, called blood sugar, control is poor. High blood glucose above 180 – 220 mg/dl is associated with a weakened immune system. Moreover, a vaginal yeast infection can be more frequent in people with a compromised immune system. “High blood glucose also feeds the yeast. So, as the blood sugar levels spike, so does the level of yeast in the vagina,” says Hughes. “This imbalance between the bacteria and yeast increases a women’s risk for a vaginal yeast infection.” A yeast infection is not considered a sexually transmitted infection(STI) because you can get a yeast infection without having sex. However, some men will develop symptoms such as itching and a rash on the penis after having sexual contact with an infected partner. Join the conversation and share this story Symptoms The most Continue reading >>
Diabetes Symptoms: Yeast Infection Could Be A Sign You Suffer With The Condition
The purpose of yeast in the body is to keep bacteria under control, and it can be found in moist areas such as the mouth, genitals and under folds of skin. However, when yeast builds up too much it’s classed as an infection. This can cause pain, itchiness, and discomfort. While there can be other reasons for yeast infections, those with poorly-controlled diabetes are at a higher risk of them. One is that when blood glucose levels are high, extra sugar may get into mucus, sweat and urine, and since yeast feeds on sugar it can cause an overgrowth. It’s not yet properly understood why but there are a number of suggestions. One is that when blood glucose levels are high, extra sugar may get into mucus, sweat and urine, and since yeast feeds on sugar it can cause an overgrowth. Another reason could be that poorly-controlled diabetes impacts on the immune system, and the body of someone with diabetes may have difficulty tackling a yeast infection. Similarly, once there has been an infection in a particular area, possibly due to poorly-controlled diabetes, there’s a higher risk of recurring problems. Dangerous bacterial infections Tue, January 24, 2017 Dangerous bacterial infections from food poisoning to meningitis. Symptoms of a yeast infection depends on the area, however if it’s on the skin there may be an itchy scaly rash or slight discolouration. In men, if the infection is in the genitals there may be an itchy rash on the penis. However, women are much more likely to suffer a vaginal yeast infection. Common signs of this include vaginal itching, burning, or pain, a cottage-cheese-like discharge, pain while urinating or an unpleasant odour. Fortunately, yeast infections are easy to treat, but it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Ways to prevent a Continue reading >>
Yeast Infections And Diabetes: What Is The Link? Studies Show Nearly 3 Out Of Every 4 Women Will Experience A Yeast Infection At Least Once In Their Life. For Women With Diabetes, Howe...
Joseph Apuzzio MD, Gloria Bachmann MD, Gerald Bernstein MD Studies show nearly 3 out of every 4 women will experience a yeast infection at least once in their life. For women with diabetes, however, the risk is even higher. Why is this the case, and what should women with diabetes do about it? Tune in for expert information and advise. LISA CLARK: I'm Lisa Clark. Welcome and thanks for joining us for this webcast. Yeast infections are a problem every woman should be aware of. Studies show that nearly three out of every four women will experience this condition at least once. But women with diabetes are at even higher risk and it's even more important for them to keep in contact with their doctors. Today we'll find out the link between diabetes and yeast infections and what extra precautions women with diabetes should take for prevention and for treatment. Joining me to discuss this topic we have two gynecologists: Dr. Gloria Bachmann, welcome. GLORIA BACHMANN, MD: Thank you. LISA CLARK: Dr. Joseph Apuzzio, welcome to you. And also diabetes specialist Dr. Gerald Bernstein. Thank you all for being here. I want to start with the link between diabetes and yeast infections, Dr. Bernstein. Why does diabetes increase the risk for developing these? GERALD BERNSTEIN, MD: It's important to understand what an elevated blood glucose will do. When the blood sugar elevates, two things happen. One, all the body secretions will have an increased amount of glucose. Two, all of the tissues of the body stop functioning normally, and therefore the normal defenses that the body has against intrusion by outside substances -- such as yeast -- will be abnormal. LISA CLARK: Is the risk different between patients who have Type I and Type II diabetes? And if so, how? GERALD BERNSTEIN, MD: No, it' Continue reading >>
Can Diabetes Cause Vaginal Yeast Infections?
How common are yeast infections? A yeast infection, also known as candidiasis, is a type of fungal infection. It can cause irritation, itchiness, and discharge. Vaginal yeast infections are most common. 3 in 4 women will have at least one vaginal yeast infection in their lifetime. About half of all women will experience two or more. A number of things can increase your risk of yeast infection, including conditions such as diabetes. Keep reading to learn why this happens and what you can do to prevent it. Researchers in a 2013 study found a significant link between high blood sugar and vaginal yeast infections. This study focused on women and children with type 1 diabetes. According to a 2014 study, women with type 2 diabetes may be at an even higher risk of vaginal yeast infection. It’s unclear whether this is due to higher overall levels of blood sugar or another factor. Yeast feeds off of sugar. If your diabetes isn’t well-controlled, your blood sugar levels can spike to unreasonably high levels. This increase in sugar can cause yeast to overgrow, particularly in the vaginal area. Your body may develop a yeast infection in response. Maintaining your blood sugar levels may help reduce your risk of infection. If you have diabetes, you should undergo periodic screening for vaginal yeast infections. Some types of candidiasis can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. Talk with your doctor about the best screening schedule for you. Your vagina naturally contains a mix of yeast and bacteria. The yeast will remain in check as long as the balance between the two isn’t disrupted. A number of things can interfere with this balance and cause your body to produce an excessive amount of yeast. This includes: taking certain antibiotics undergoing hormone ther Continue reading >>
Vaginal Yeast Infection
A A A A vaginal yeast infection, also known as vaginal candidiasis, genital candidiasis, or vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), is an infection involving a type of fungus, or yeast. The fungus most commonly associated with vaginal yeast infection is called Candida albicans, which account for up to 92% of all cases, with the remainder due to other species of Candida. These fungi can be found all over the body and are normally present in warm and moist areas of the body. Studies have shown that up to 20% to 50% of all women normally carry yeast in the vagina without the presence of symptoms. When C albicans in the vagina multiplies to the point of infection, this infection can cause vaginal inflammation, irritation, odor, discharge, and itching. Certain types of bacteria that live naturally in the vagina usually keep C albicans from growing out of control. If the balance of these microorganisms becomes upset, C albicans may be allowed to grow uncontrollably and lead to symptoms. The use of certain medications including antibiotics, changes in hormone levels, or certain diseases are examples of factors that can allow a vaginal yeast infection to develop. Vaginal yeast infections are extremely common. Seventy-five percent of all women develop a yeast infection at some point during their lives. A vaginal yeast infection is not considered a sexually-transmitted infection (STD), but 12% to 15% of men develop symptoms such as itching and penile rash following sexual contact with an infected partner. Under normal circumstances, a vaginal yeast infection is not serious and can be treated with medications. However, a vaginal yeast infection can be a sign an underlying, more serious condition or can lead to serious complications, especially if left untreated. Many women who think they Continue reading >>
7. Long Course Of Suppository Medication Most Effective If You Have Yeast Infections With Diabetes
People who are diabetic experience spikes in blood sugar. Sugar is a favorite food of different types of yeast. This includes candida. Mix the two together and you have a yeast overgrowth. And since vaginal yeast infection is said to have occurred when there is an overgrowth of yeast, this makes diabetes one of those conditions that increase the risks of a candida yeast infections -- oral, vaginal and any other. The first was that diabetic women were more prone to candida yeast infections as opposed to non-diabetic women (18.8% vs. 11.8%). The second finding was that women with diabetes had a higher risk of displaying yeast infection symptoms when compared to those who didn't have diabetes. The third finding was that when using fluconazole ( a vaginal yeast infection treatment), the diabetic group had a lower cure rate (75%, although this is still good) than those who didn’t have diabetes (86.7%). This was a study that was published in the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health. You can find more details of the study here. According to Heathline, since high blood sugar levels encourage yeast infections, the best way treat the yeast infection is to take away the thing that is feeding it -- high blood sugar. Better management of diabetes is therefore a must if you want to keep yeast infections at bay. Treatment will also be easier as whichever medication you will be using will be fighting against a yeast-starved fungi ( candida, the yeast that causes most cases of vaginal yeast infections is a fungus). Do you have a yeast infection that keeps coming back? If your infection simply won’t go away, your diabetes might be to blame. It all has to do with the environment that your body creates. A healthy vagina can have yeast cells without causing any Continue reading >>
Diabetes Causes Thrush
Diabetes, especially uncontrolled diabetes, increases the risk of multiple complications, including infections of oral thrush. Although oral thrush is a relatively common and mostly harmless yeast infection, the combination of thrush and diabetes can cause serious complications. An Overview of Diabetes Diabetes mellitus, or diabetes, impairs the body’s ability to control levels of glucose, the sugar converted by body cells into energy. Consequently, blood sugar levels can rise to dangerously high levels. There are two varieties of diabetes, both of which increase the risk of oral yeast infections. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas loses the ability to manufacture insulin, the hormone that controls blood levels of glucose. Type 1 diabetes onset usually occurs in childhood or adolescence. Type 2 diabetes is the most common variety of diabetes. The pancreas produces insulin in cases of type 2 diabetes, but one of two complications occurs: the body loses the ability to use insulin properly the pancreas produces insufficient insulin. Type 2 diabetes is also called adult onset diabetes, as the condition usually develops in adults. Changes in dietary habits and an increase in obesity have seen a rise of type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents, however. Thrush and Yeast Infections Thrush is the common name for yeast infections caused by the microorganism Candida albicans. Candida albicans is a common microorganism that is found on the mouth, digestive tract and skin of most people. Under normal circumstances, the body’s immune system keeps Candida albicans growth under control. Under certain circumstances, Candida growth can outpace the body’s ability to control the organism and yeast infections occur. Oral thrush and vaginal yeast infections are common yeast i Continue reading >>
