Having
diabetes is associated with greater numbers of urinary tract infections,
especially in patients who don’t have good control over their blood sugar
[glucose] levels.
Urinary
Tract Infections
Urinary
tract infections, or UTIs, are caused by bacteria in the urinary tract. They
can occur in the urethra (this infection is known as urethritis), the bladder
(cystitis), or the kidneys (pyeloenphritis). In people without diabetes, the
immune system normally takes care of these infections, which clear up on their
own. However, UTIs and, in particular, acute pyelonphritis, is common in
diabetes patients.
These
UTIs may be due to diabetes-related nerve damage or an impaired immune system
response. They may also be caused by glucose in the urine, which provides a
good environment for bacteria to grow.
The
symptoms of UTIs are not subtle and include:
·
Pain or discomfort while urinating
·
Persistent urge to urinate
·
Pain in the abdomen or back
·
Fever
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Tags:
Diabetes