Diabetes and Thrush (a Yeast Infection)
Thrush is a yeast infection (candida fungus albicans) which tends to impact warm, moist areas of the body such as the vaginal area, penis, mouth and particular areas of skin.
Thrush is more common in individuals with diabetes as high sugar levels result in better conditions for the yeast to grow.
A dry mouth paired with a greater amount of glucose in the saliva can also make for beneficial conditions for thrush
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What causes thrush?
High blood sugar levels is one of the primary causes of thrush and so is an weakened body immune system, which is also common in people with diabetes.
Harmed or inflamed skin likewise promotes the development of thrush.
Cigarette smoking increases the chance of oral thrush and certain oral contraceptives may cause vaginal thrush.
Symptoms of thrush
Vaginal thrush (vulvovaginal candidiasis) symptoms consist of:
- Discomfort and inflammation
- White curd look on the skin
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- White vaginal discharge
- Reddening of the vulva (the external parts of the vagina)
- Itching around the vagina (infectious vaginitis)
Oral thrush (oral candidiasis) symptoms include:
- A nasty or bitter taste
- Soreness or bleeding inside the mouth
- Velvety white coloured patches (sores) in the mouth (cheeks, lips, tongue or the back of the mouth)
- Painful and sore mouth (can consist of the throat)
- Cracks at the corners of the lips (angular cheilitis)
Thrush in men (candida balanitis)
Symptoms of thrush in men include:
- Reddening or swelling or pain of the glans (head) of the penis
- Itching around the pointer of the penis
- Release underneath the foreskin
- Nasty odour
- Pain during urination
- White curd-like look on the skin
- Painful experience during sex
Candidal skin infections can likewise take place around folds of skin such as armpits and the groin.
Is thrush a common problem?
Thrush is a typical issue and particularly for individuals with diabetes. Greater levels of glucose in the blood make candida even more likely, so diabetics who have problem managing their blood sugar may discover themselves particularly prone to yeast infections.
Is thrush major?
Occasional periods of thrush may not be a cause to stress.
However, routine episodes which go neglected can cause more major infections. Thrush is an unpleasant issue and it is possible to hand down to a partner.
What treatments are available for thrush (candida albicans)?
Thrush may be treated by anti-fungal creams or by orally taken thrush treatments.
Normally used thrush treatments consist of:
- Topical imidazole
- Fluconazole
- Itraconazole
- Clotrimazole
- Ketoconazole
How can I prevent thrush from happening?
For individuals with diabetes, keeping blood sugar levels under control will certainly help to lower the frequency and severity of outbreaks of yeast infections.
Genital infections can be reduced by using looser fitting clothing (particularly underwear), cleaning your genitals routinely however avoiding the use of fragrant soaps and shampoos.
Oral candidiasis can be prevented by:
- Preserving good dental hygiene
- Brushing twice a day
- Rinsing your mouth after eating
- Flossing routinely
- Utilizing mouthwash
- Maintaining clean dentures
- Routinely visiting a dental expert
