Recurrent UTIs After 50? Expert Suggests Get Your Blood Sugar Checked NOW

Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are one of the most frustrating health issues faced by adults above the age of 50 years. Besides the natural changes that come with ageing in the urinary system, there's one lesser-known link that many people often overlook, which is the blood sugar control. 

In an exclusive interaction with the editorial team of Onlymyhealth, Dr Rubina Shanawaz, Senior Consultant, Uro-Gynaecology, Gynec-Oncology, Laparoscopic & Robotic Gynaecology, Fortis Hospital, Cunningham Road, Bengaluru, explained that uncontrolled or fluctuating glucose levels may be one of the biggest hidden culprits behind recurrent, stubborn UTIs among older adults. Read ahead to know everything she shared with us.

Why UTIs Become More Common After 50

With age, both men and women become more prone to urinary infections due to hormonal changes, weakened pelvic floor muscles, and a natural decline in the elasticity of the bladder. However, according to Dr Shanawaz, the status of the blood sugar level plays a much bigger role than most people realise.

High blood sugar, from undiagnosed diabetes, prediabetes, or poorly managed sugar control, can cause significant disruption to urinary tract health. High sugar doesn't stay only in the blood; some of it spills into the urine. This is the right medium for bacteria to breed on and multiply rapidly.

Also Read: World Diabetes Day 2025: Expert Explains Diabetic Foot’s Symptoms, Early Warning Signs, Treatment, and the Role of Diabetic Socks

Ways High Blood Sugar Triggers Recurrent UTIs

According to Dr Shanawaz, there are two major ways that high glucose worsens the risk of infection:

• Sugar-rich urine encourages bacterial growth: When glucose levels are high, the kidneys excrete excess sugar into the urine. This sugar serves as fuel for bacteria and makes infections easier to develop and more frequent.
• Bladder nerves become less efficient: High blood sugar can also cause nerve damage, known as diabetic neuropathy, which affects the bladder's capacity to fully empty. The stagnation of urine, even a small amount, becomes a pool of bacteria, therefore, more susceptible to recurring infection.

Together, these factors make the urinary tract particularly vulnerable, and they help explain why some people develop symptoms of a UTI again just weeks after treatment.

Can Frequent UTIs Be an Early Warning Sign of Diabetes?

Many people over the age of 50 may not realise that fluctuating glucose levels can reflect prediabetes or undiagnosed diabetes. However, recurrent UTIs can be the first apparent symptom.

If you're experiencing burning, urgency, pelvic discomfort, or have to get up multiple times at night to use the bathroom even after finishing antibiotic treatment, then you might want to look into what's happening metabolically. Dr Shanawaz strongly advised that anyone with recurrent UTIs get a simple blood sugar check, including fasting glucose and HbA1c.

Also Read: World Diabetes Day 2025: Can DASH Diet Lower Blood Sugar Levels?

How Managing Blood Sugar Can Prevent UTIs

Better sugar control can significantlyly reduce both the severity and frequency of urinary infections. Dr Shanawaz recommended the following basic life patterns:

• Eat a balanced meal with enough protein, fibre, and healthy fats to prevent spikes in glucose levels.
• Limit refined sugars and high-glycemic carbohydrates that cause spikes in blood sugar.
• Stay well-hydrated, which helps flush bacteria from the urinary tract.
• Move your body daily. Regular physical activity improves insulin sensitivity and reduces inflammation.
• Monitor carbohydrate intake and keep portions consistent.

When to Consult a Doctor

If UTIs continue to recur, particularly more than two in six months, Dr Shanawaz suggested speaking with a healthcare provider. In addition to routine urine tests, it may be helpful to assess the following:

• Fasting blood glucose
• HbA1c
• Kidney function
• Other metabolic parameters related to diabetes

Early detection and management of high blood sugar does more than just protect urinary health; it also helps prevent long-term complications affecting the heart, nerves, kidneys, and overall quality of life.

Bottomline

Recurrent UTIs after 50 aren't just an age-related issue; they may be a signal that your blood sugar needs attention. Identifying and managing glucose issues might be one of the most effective ways to break the cycle of repeat infections.