Infections should be Prevented by Diabetics

Diabetics are more likely to suffer from infections, as high blood sugar levels can weaken patients’ immune system defenses. Moreover, some diabetes-related tissue damage such as nerve damage and decreased blood supplement to extremities, also increase patients’ vulnerability to infections.
What kinds of infections are more common in diabetics?
Diabetics are more susceptible for infections in foot, yeast, urinary tract and in surgical site. The insulin injection site may be a possible source for infections. Injections provide a potential gateway for certain immune-suppression agents to enter the blood. For example, common bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus can enter the blood system and cause staph infection.
Another major concern is diabetic neuropathy, or diabetic nerve damage. Patients can experience sensation loss (such as numbness feelings), which sometimes mean injuries go unnoticed. Untreated injuries can lead to infections. Some types of neuropathy can also result in dry and cracked skin, thus allowing an easier entry for infections into the body.
Diabetes can also cause low blood supply to peripheral parts of the body. With less blood flow, the body is less able to mobilize normal immune defenses and nutrients that promote the body’s ability to fight against infections and promote healing.
Warning signs of infections in diabetics
Diabetics should be vigilant for any changes in their body that could be early signs of infections: some patients experience body temperature elevation or change of blood sugar levels; foul-smelling vaginal discharge; pain with urination; cloudy or foul-smelling urine; difficulty or painful swallowing; changes of bowel habits; redness or warmth at any cut or scrape.
What is damage of infections to diabetics?
Diabetics have weakened immune defenses and infections take longer time to heal than others. The damage can be very dangerous for diabetics with severe vascular complications, such as heart disease, cerebral disease, kidney failure and so on. Diabetic patients in hospitals don’t necessarily have a higher morbidity rate due to infections, but they do face longer hospitalization and recovery times.