People with diabetes face greater risk of infections because …
Other complications of diabetes add to the risk of infection. A bladder affected by neuropathy makes one unaware of voiding, and can result in bladder infections. If your arms and legs are affected by neuropathy, you may not notice a cut or burn which, if not treated, can get infected.
Legs and feet are prone to infections because loss of sensation makes people unaware of injury which then becomes infected. Slow blood circulation harms the healing process. High blood glucose weakens the white blood cells and lowers ones immunity. An infected area at the bottom of the foot can develop an ulcer. In untreated ulcers, layers of skin and tissue are destroyed by the infection creating a hole which may reach the bone and infect it. If leg and/ or foot infections get worse, the surgeon may have to amputate the part to save the rest of the limb.
- High levels of blood sugar can weaken the immune system that protects the body against invading bacteria, virus and fungi.
- Some of the bacteria, virus and fungi thrive on the sugar.
Other complications of diabetes add to the risk of infection. A bladder affected by neuropathy makes one unaware of voiding, and can result in bladder infections. If your arms and legs are affected by neuropathy, you may not notice a cut or burn which, if not treated, can get infected.
Legs and feet are prone to infections because loss of sensation makes people unaware of injury which then becomes infected. Slow blood circulation harms the healing process. High blood glucose weakens the white blood cells and lowers ones immunity. An infected area at the bottom of the foot can develop an ulcer. In untreated ulcers, layers of skin and tissue are destroyed by the infection creating a hole which may reach the bone and infect it. If leg and/ or foot infections get worse, the surgeon may have to amputate the part to save the rest of the limb.
Many women with diabetes often get Candidiasis, a vaginal yeast infection because the moist environment and the high blood glucose supplies nourishment to the yeast.The symptoms are a burning, itching sensation in the vaginal area often accompanied by a thick white discharge.
People with diabetes also develop dental problems such as caries and gingivitis- red swollen gums that bleed easily- which are very often ignored.An annual dental check- up is compulsory.
People with diabetes are also prone to lung infections especially influenza and pneumonia.
Prevention:
Prevent gum disease or periodontitis by brushing and flossing your teeth regularly.
Go to a dentist to clean your teeth twice a year.
Prevent candidiasis by improving blood glucose control, wearing all- cotton underwear, avoiding tight clothing that restricts the flow of air.
Check your feet everyday for ulcers, calluses, corns or other problems. Wear good, fitting shoes. Keep weight off affected part, wear special shoes and go to the doctor if you notice swelling in a joint. It is important to keep blood flowing to your feet through exercise and regular walks, keeping high blood pressure and cholesterol down, and stopping smoking.
Vaccinate against flu and pneumonia.
Go to your doctor regularly.
CALL YOUR DENTIST IF:
Your gums bleed when you brush your teeth or eat food, gums are red, swollen or tender, gums have pulled away from teeth.
GO TO A DERMATOLOGIST IF :
Redness, swelling, pus or pain of bacterial infection
Athletes foot, vaginal itching, ringworm or other fungal infection
Blisters or bumps on the back of the fingers, hands, toes arms legs or buttocks
Rashes bumps or pits near insulin injection site.
VISIT A PODIATRIST IF YOU HAVE:
An open sore ulcer on your foot
Any infection in a cut or blister
A red tender toe- ingrown nail
Any puncture wound
Pain, tingling, numbness or burning.
Keep a check on blood glucose levels.
Your goal is to help your body use the glucose you take in efficiently. Insulin-users should match blood glucose levels to food intake and exercise .People on oral diabetic medication use a similar technique, but making fine adjustment is more difficult. All people with diabetes should be careful of their carbohydrate intake and get regular physical exercise to help the body move the glucose into the cells where it can be used for energy.
It is not too late to improve blood glucose control if you already have complications, as all complications can be treated and many diabetic complications can be kept from getting worse with good blood glucose control and a healthy living plan – exercise, nutritious food in healthy portions.
Besides controlling glucose, quit smoking, eat healthy, control blood pressure, and exercise regularly.
HOWEVER, DESPITE YOUR BEST EFFORTS YOU MAY GET COMPLICATIONS THROUGH FACTORS YOU CANNOT CONTROL SUCH AS AGE, RACE, AND GENES .BUT DON’T GIVE UP.
“Make Diabetes fit into your life, don’t fit your life into diabetes”- Phil Knott
Reference:
1. American Diabetic Association Complete Guide to Diabetes: the ultimate home diabetes reference— 2nded.
2. Diabetic Complications. Edited by R.David Leslie & Paolo Pozzilli
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