Diabetics are prone to infections for many reasons. Dry, itchy skin leads to scratching and more breaks in the skin for fungus or bacteria to enter. High blood glucose promotes bacterial and fungal growth, and neuropathy, or nerve damage, means diabetics may not notice injuries that could become infected, especially on their feet. Poor circulation also predisposes some diabetics to infection in the lower extremities. Some types of infection are more common in diabetics than others.
Foot Infections
Foot infections are common in diabetics, and are particularly dangerous because the diabetic may not see or feel initial signs of infection. Fungal infections, such as those that cause athlete's foot, or bacterial infections, can lead to foot infections. Neuropathy and poor circulation contribute to the development of foot ulcers or open sores that become infected. Diabetes is the most common cause for foot and leg amputation in the United States, Mount Sinai Medical Center reports; 80 percent of amputations result from ulceration on the bottom of the foot. Diabetics need to inspect their feet regularly, using a mirror to check the bottoms of the feet. Diabetics frequently develop calluses on the bottoms of their feet. Calluses can ulcerate and become infected quickly.
Urinary Tract Infections
Women with diabetes are two to three times more likely to have bacteria in their urine even when they don't have symptoms of a urinary tract infection. This leads to an increased risk of urinary tract and kidney infections. Neuropathy of the bladder causes incomplete emptying, so urine remains in the bladder longer. Stagnant urine is prone to bacterial growth. Poor circulation also contributes to the diabetic's inability to fight off infection in the bladder.
Mouth Infections
Diabetics are more likely to develop serious gum disease such as periodontitis, a complication of gingivitis, swollen and bleeding gums, the Mayo Clinic reports. Diabetics who smoke have an even higher chance of developing gum disease. Bacteria in the mouth interact with the increased amount of glucose in the saliva, forming more plaque on the teeth, which attacks the tooth enamel. This leads to an increased incidence of cavities in diabetics.
Skin Infections
Many types of skin infections affect people with diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, one third of diabetic will have some type of diabetes related skin infection in their lives. Bacterial infections such as styes around the eye, boils or deeper infections called carbuncles, or infections around the nails on the hands and feet are common. Fungal infections affect moist, dark areas such as skin under breasts, skin folds in overweight diabetics, the groin and areas between the toes. All diabetic infections need prompt treatment to avoid complications; skin should be inspected daily for signs of infection.
