Diabetes is a complex medical condition. It may result in further health challenges such as heart disease, chronic renal disease, or issues with oral health and vision. This list also includes fungal illnesses. There may be minor skin infections or major invasive infections, but a fungal infection should not be underestimated. Read on to know about the association between fungal infection and diabetes.
Link Between Diabetes And Fungal Infection
A study published in Hindawi showed the prevalence of fungal infection in diabetes and nondiabetic people in Bhaktapur, Nepal. Considering the research, six hundred samples were gathered from 134 participants. The research concluded that diabetic patients are more susceptible to fungal colonisation than nondiabetic persons.
Another study published in 2018, examined data from over 300,000 participants, showed that a person with type 1 or type 2 diabetes has a higher risk of yeast infection, than someone who does not have the condition.
Also read: 9 Ways To Cure Fungal Infections Of The Skin
Type 1 diabetes develops when an immune system malfunction causes pancreatic cell damage. Changes in the immune system and a rise in inflammation. Diabetes that is poorly managed may impair immunological response. This could be one of the reasons why diabetes makes people more susceptible to yeast infections.
Infection symptoms can worsen faster in diabetics than in other people. Infections can also be difficult to treat. If an infection does not heal properly, it can cause further difficulties.
Why should diabetics be concerned about fungal infections?
People with diabetes are aware that they must exercise extreme caution in a variety of situations. They must also keep an eye out for fungal infections. People with diabetes are more susceptible to fungal infections because there is a frequent increase in blood sugar levels. Because fungi feed on sugar, increased blood sugar provides the ideal environment for them to thrive. High blood sugar causes recurrent perspiration, urine, and saliva, increasing your chances of being attacked by fungi.
Also read: How Diabetes Impact Your Hearing
Symptoms Of A Fungal Infection
The skin of a person suffering from fungal infection may change colour, or irritating patches of varied shapes and sizes may appear. Skin infections are more common in females than males, but a male with diabetes may be at a higher risk of complications.
A woman might notice:
- Itching or soreness in the vaginal area, including a burning sensation
- A whitish discharge resembling cottage cheese
- While urinating, you may get a burning feeling or other form of pain
- A disagreeable odour
Body Parts Impacted By Fungal Infection
Infections typically spread in moist parts of the body, such as the mouth and armpit. Oral thrush is a term used to describe a fungal infection that arises in the mouth. It appears as a bitter taste in the mouth, lesions on the tongue, lips, or rear of the mouth, and lip splits.
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