Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects the metabolism of sugar in the body. According to the American Diabetes Association, there are approximately 17.9 million Americans who have been diagnosed with the disease. If you suffer from diabetes, then you are at a higher risk of developing specific types of infections. The consequences of these infections can be severe, so it is important that you familiarize yourself with the possible outcomes.
Most Common Types of Infections
According to the University of Michigan Health System, the most common infections include bladder or kidney, thrush, gum disease, fungal infections, vaginal infections, wound infections and infections in the feet. All aspects of treating an infection in a person with diabetes are important--especially infections in the feet and legs--to prevent systemic infection or amputation of the lower limbs. According to Chapter 22 of the Type 1 Diabetes Association book "Diabetes in America," the list of common infections also includes urinary tract infections, pneumonia, influenza, tuberculosis, external ear infections, surgical wound infections and gangrene.
Reasons
According to Chapter 22 of the Type 1 Diabetes Association book "Diabetes in America," you have an increased risk of infection if you have diabetes because of generalized damage to the immune system and structural changes that are a result of the disease. Damage to the small blood vessels that feed the extremities and organs is one such change that negatively impacts wound healing, response to infection and the ability of the body to sense temperature changes and pain. Diabetes can change how you sense pain or whether or not you feel a minor cut on your leg or feet. Without care, these small wounds can have a severely negative impact on the health of the skin and tissues leading to gangrene or amputation.
Diabetes Control
There is a significant difference in the control of blood sugar when you have an infection and when you do not. It is well known that an acute infection will result in more challenges to control your blood sugar. In a study published in the "American Journal of Medicine," titled "Infection and Diabetes: The Case For Glucose Control," research led by E. J. Rayfield reviewed data of 241 people who suffered from diabetes and concluded that good control of blood sugar would not only prevent some infections but would also help to maintain the normal defense mechanisms that control the response of the immune system to an infection. According to the University of Michigan Health System, high blood sugar levels will promote the growth of bacteria and yeast and keep white blood cells from fighting infections efficiently. Blood sugar control has implications for both the prevention of infection and the body's ability to fight infection.
Wound Healing
One of the possible outcomes of an infection in the lower extremities is the loss of a limb or a foot. This is a result of damage to the small blood vessels in the extremities, which decreases the amount of carbon dioxide and waste products that can be removed and the amount of oxygen and nutrients that can be delivered. According to the University of Michigan Health System, even a small cut can result in a life-threatening problem for someone who suffers from diabetes. Do not attempt to treat a cut or infection on your feet or lower legs at home. Instead, seek the care of your primary care physician, who may need to prescribe antibacterial medications or antifungal medications to prevent considerable damage to the tissue.
