Can Diabetes Cause Yeast Infections?

Yeast infections are one gynecological problem that no woman wants to deal with. For women, the symptoms include vaginal itching, redness, and discharge which resembles cottage cheese in texture. These vaginal infections can be difficult to treat. Some women are more likely to develop yeast infections than others. Is diabetes a risk factor? Here are some of the things that you should know about the link between diabetes and yeast infections.

Diabetes Increases the Risk of Yeast Infections

Diabetes is a risk factor of yeast infections. It is also a risk factor for vulvovaginal candidiasis, which is when a woman experiences four or more yeast infections a year, according to the National Women's Health Information Center. High blood sugar levels increase the risk of yeast infections, as yeast tends to thrive on sugar.

It is important to keep in mind that diabetes generally only causes women to experience yeast infections if it is poorly controlled. This is just another one of the reasons why it is so important for diabetics to keep their blood sugar levels under control through medication or insulin injections. There may be a time when you do not even realize that your diabetes is not being properly controlled.

Diabetes is a Risk Factor for Male Yeast Infections

Yeast infections are much less common in men than they are in women. Some penile yeast infections are caused by having sexual intercourse with a woman who has a vaginal yeast infection. Having diabetes is another risk factor of male yeast infections, however. Symptoms generally include itching and redness in the penile area.

Other Common Signs of Diabetes

For some women and men, recurring yeast infections may be one of the very first signs of diabetes or pre-diabetes, which can be reversed by following a proper diet. Two of the other most common and easy to recognize signs of that may indicate diabetes include persistent thirst and the urge to urinate frequently. If you have experienced one or more yeast infections recently, it is ideal to talk to your doctor about the possibility of diabetes.

If you experience reoccurring yeast infections, it is important to be aware of the diabetes link. Not only may yeast infections be a sign of diabetes, but it is important to remember that keeping the condition under control can help treat the problem for some women and men.

Sources:

Michigan State University, "Yeast Infections in Men."

National Women's Health Information Center, "Vaginal Yeast Infections."

University of Pennsylvania Health System, "Vaginal yeast infection."