The Link Between Yeast Infection & Diabetes

Why Does Being Diabetic Make Vaginal Yeast Infections More Likely?

Over the course of their lifetimes, the majority of women will experience one or more yeast infections. There is a particular risk for women who are diabetic, since this affects the yeast cells normally present in the vagina. Usually, the small amount of nutrients in the vagina's acidic surroundings keep these under control. Diabetic women, however, will have higher levels of sugar - more precisely, glucose - in the secretions from their vagina. This is because their blood is also higher in glucose.

The surplus of glucose helps to feed the yeast cells, which then greatly increase in number, causing an infection. This should be prevented by the body's immune system, but its functions are affected by hyperglycemia. It's sometimes the case that one sign of an infection elsewhere in the body is a yeast infection. Alternatively, it may mean unstable levels of blood glucose.

What Symptoms Do Vaginal Yeast Infections Have?

There are several common signs of this type of infection. It may hurt to have sex or urinate. Sometimes there is an unpleasant odor. Cottage cheese-like white secretions and an uncomfortable, itchy sensation near the vagina are also common symptoms. Even so, not all women will see any symptoms. It's possible for yeast infections to show up in places like the mouth - where it's known as thrush - skin folds, or certain parts of the feet. Women with access sites for dialysis may also experience them there. It's possible for more serious infections to result from yeast infections, but they can be uncomfortable on their own.

How Can You Tell if You Have a Yeast Infection?

It's necessary to have a medical examination, which will check to see whether there may other reasons for your symptoms. These may include sexually transmitted diseases or bacterial infections. Yeast can be spotted by looking at a sample of your cells under a microscope. In a small number of cases, additional tests in the lab may be required in order to give you a definite diagnosis.

What Effect Can Yeast Infections Have on Diabetes?

Your body is naturally protected against infection, but these defense mechanisms are blocked by yeast, including in the vagina. A diabetic woman with a yeast infection is more prone to getting additional infections. The reason is that high blood sugar levels and yeast, taken together, make it harder for your body to fight against viruses and bacteria. Since the infection-fighting process can lead to large variations in blood sugar levels, infection is a significant danger for diabetic people.

How Can Yeast Infections be Treated?

There are a variety of anti-fungal medications available, both by prescription and over the counter. These are effective for use in diabetic people. Before you begin to take any medication, you should consult with a health care professional to check that oral anti-fungals will not affect any regular medication you may be taking. An alternative is to use a vaginal medication. Research has suggested that two weeks' treatment may be needed to beat a yeast infection in diabetic women. Nystatin and other oral and topical anti-fungal agents can be obtained by prescription. These can be used against yeast infections in other areas of the body.

If you're a person with diabetes who is fighting a yeast infection, it's very important to follow the instructions your health care provider supplies. You should always take all the medication that has been recommended. It can be dangerous to finish a course of medication early simply because you feel stronger. This can lead to your infection coming back in a more serious way.

What Should Woman Ask Their Health Care Providers?

As soon as you have a solid diagnosis, you should ask about what treatment options are recommended. As an example, you can ask whether oral medications or vaginal cream would work best. If you suffer from several yeast infections each year - usually defined as more than four - then it's a good idea to ask for a check on your diabetes control. This is because excessively high blood sugar can be a cause of yeast infections.

For more information on how yeast infection can affect you & how to eliminate it for good, click here for your free guide.

How to Prevent Yeast Infection From Antibiotics (Part 2)

Last time where we discussed foods to avoid when preventing a yeast infection whilst on antibiotics, let examine in more detail the lifestyle changes that are important.

Rearrange your lifestyle

1. Use only cotton underwear. By doing so, you will prevent extra moisture from developing in your intimate areas. Therefore, while you are on antibiotics, try to replace your satin and lace underwear with cotton.
2. Don`t wear clothes that fit too tight. To allow enough air to circulate around your intimate areas, you need to avoid wearing tight pants, pantyhose or elastic undergarments. Yeast infections can easily grow in case the vagina area is moist.
3. Protect yourself with condoms during sex. Condoms will help you to maintain a balance in the pH level inside of the vagina, since semen has a different pH.

Maintain a proper hygiene

1. Considering the fact that douching can encourage yeast infections growth, you need to avoid this douching while on antibiotics. There are numerous chemicals included in douches that affect the good bacteria in the vagina. Moreover, douching can even alter the pH level in the vagina.
2. Do not use perfumes or feminine sprays. You may get irritated in case you use products with artificial scents. Therefore, avoid putting perfumes or sprays on your vagina. In case you want to use a similar product, you can search for a spray that contains water and essential oils.
3. Replace tampons with unscented pads. Whenever you are taking antibiotics, you should replace tampons with pads. Look for unscented products to avoid any kind of irritation.
4. Clear yourself thoroughly after using the restroom. In order to avoid transferring the bacteria from the anal area to the vagina, you need to wipe from front to back. You should always keep you vaginal area dry and clean.
5. The toilet paper should be unscented as well. Avoid using dyes and fragrances to wipe your vaginal area as they can encourage the growth of yeast. 
   
   
   For more on how to beat yeast infection quickly & effectively in the most difficult of conditions, check out our free guide by clicking here. 

The Best Way to Prevent Yeast Infections From Antibiotics

Considering the fact that all antibiotics attack both the bacteria that are affecting your health and the bacteria that keeps you vagina healthy, the chances of developing yeast infections are quite high. When taking antibiotics, women can use the same day-to-day practices to prevent yeast infections. These practices consist of following some simple dietary advices, maintaining a proper hygiene and wearing the proper clothes during the periods when they take antibiotics.

Following some simple dietary tips

1. According to professional doctors, consuming yogurt is recommended during these periods since it can help women avoid yeast infections. Lactobacillus acidophilus is a common bacterium responsible for maintaining a balanced chemistry in the vagina, and it can also be found in yogurt. To keep this bacterium at normal levels, and prevent the development of Candida albicans, all women should consume yogurt when taking antibiotics.

You need to make sure that the type of yogurt that you purchase contains Lactobacillus acidophilus, considering the fact that not all brands include this ingredient on their list. You should opt for plain yogurts.

When taking antibiotics, you will need to consume at least one serving of yogurt on a daily basis. It is also recommended to continue with the consumption even if you have stopped taking the antibiotics to eliminate all risks of developing yeast infections.

2. Try to consume fermented foods. Apart from yogurt, there are also other effective foods that can help you prevent yeast infections. Some examples include kimchi, sauerkraut, kombucha, and fermented tea. All these foods contain important ingredients and probiotics that help maintain a proper balance of your system.

You will find numerous companies that have decided to add probiotics into their products simply because they help regulate our digestive system. Visit your local store and search for cheese, huices, cereal and granola bars that include probiotics.

People that dislike eating yogurt of fermented foods can also benefit from the advantages of probiotics by searching for probiotics supplements. Even though they come in the form of pills, they contain the identical healthy bacteria that can be found in the foods mentioned previously.

3. Eat lots of garlic. This amazing natural food can help you stay clear of infections due to its antifungal properties. Therefore, you should add this herb on your diet`s list in case you are on antibiotics. If you are scared that your breath will smell like garlic, you can opt for garlic supplements.

To prevent yeast infections, a big number of women simply apply garlic directly to the vagina. You can do the same by wrapping a peeled clove of garlic in a small piece of cheesecloth. After you have tied it off, a tail should remain available on the end. The tail will be used to easily remove the cheesecloth from your vagina after a couple of hours of usage.

4. Search for goldenseal supplements. This type of supplement is also very efficient in combating yeast infections. However, you need to pay a visit to your local doctor before you decide to take this herbal supplement.
5. Lower the sugar consumption. Sugar favors extra yeast growth, especially when it is consumed in high amounts. Therefore, you should eliminate all foods or soft drinks that are rich in sugar and replace them with fruits or raw honey.
6. Stay aware from foods fermented with yeast. Even though there is no clear evidence that alcoholic beverages, breads, and other foods made with yeast can lead to yeast infections, it is recommended to limit the intake of these foods.

For  more information on how to prevent & eliminate yeast infection whilst on antibiotics, click here