Can Diabetes Increase the Risk of Infections?

People with Diabetes Face Higher Risk of Infections

Healthcare experts suggest that people with high levels of blood sugar in their bodies are prone to developing various bacterial and fungal infections. The most common infections occur in the feet and hands. Often, medications like antibiotics help in controlling these infections. However, in severe cases, it could lead to amputation.

Diabetes is a chronic ailment affecting millions of people in India. Complications arising from diabetes are a concern for many as it implies expensive treatment. Therefore opting for Diabetes insurance is advisable.

If a diabetic person gets an infection, it could damage important organs in the body. Therefore, adequate medical care and precautions are necessary for overall well-being.

We explain how diabetes can increase the risk of infections:

Why Do Infections Occur?

In diabetic patients, the immune system gets weakened owing to the high sugar levels in the bloodstream. Hence, the body’s ability to fight infections reduces and makes a person more susceptible to infections. Over the long run, high sugar affects the blood circulation; in turn, oxygen and nutrients fail to nourish the tissues, thereby increasing the risks. Furthermore, other health issues like nerve damage (conditions like peripheral neuropathy) or curtailed blood flow to extremities like arms, legs, hand, and foot, also raise the risks of infections.

>>Also Read Importance of Foot Care for People with Diabetes

Common Infections Which Occur in Diabetic Patients

• Influenza
• Pneumonia
• Throat infections
• Eye infection
• Infections in nose and sinuses
• Infections in outer ear and nose
• Foot infections
• Yeast infections on the skin
• Urinary tract infections

 >> Click Here to Know How Diabetics are Susceptible to the Coronavirus Outbreak?

Symptoms of Infections

A diabetic person showing any of the following symptoms is likely to have an infection which needs medical attention:

• Fever (above 101)
• Sore throat
• Dry or moist cough
• Headaches
• Sweating or chills
• Skin rashes
• Pain or swelling
• Draining sore
• Wound that is not healing
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Foul-smelling urine
• Frequent urination

It is highly essential to seek quick medical attention if a diabetic person shows any symptom of an infection in order to avoid worsening of the problem. The presence of infections is ascertained through blood tests and other lab tests. Oral medicines are prescribed, particularly antibiotics, to treat the infections.

In the case of yeast infections, improvement is seen within a few days if it is mild. However, in severe cases, it may take up to weeks.

Some basic measures are necessary to prevent infections. They include:

• Keeping blood sugar level in control
• Eating immune-boosting foods
• Ensuring proper foot and skincare
• Having enough intake of fluids
• Exercising regularly for improved blood circulation
• Protecting oneself from cuts, blisters, scrapes, and sores
• Ensuring urinary hygiene and good bowel habits

Living with diabetes demands a lot of discipline in terms of going for regular exercise, eating healthy foods every day, taking the right medications and so on. A timely diagnosis of ailments arising due to high blood sugar is extremely important to avoid further complications.

Also, in order to get the required financial support when it comes to getting treatment for diabetes, one should rely on customized health insurance plans that provide specific cover for diabetes related treatment.

Care Health Insurance offers ‘Care Freedom’ which is health insurance for diabetes with coverage for hospitalization as well as pre-and-post hospitalization.

>> Also Read Is Alternative Treatment for Diabetes Beneficial?