The Handy Diabetes Answer Book by Patricia Barnes-Svarney

Author:Patricia Barnes-Svarney
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Visible Ink Press
Published: 2017-08-11T04:00:00+00:00

Diabetics are more prone to urinary tract infections, which occur when bacteria contaminate the bladder, ureters, or kidneys.

What is a urinary tract infection?

A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is caused by different types of bacteria (usually E. coli), most often from the bowels. The bacteria often travel up the urethra to the bladder, the most commonly affected organ. If the infection is in the bladder, it is called cystitis (a lower urinary tract infection), and if it is in the kidneys and ureters, it is called pyelonephritis (an upper urinary tract infection). Symptoms include a burning sensation when urinating, strong-smelling urine, fever or chills, a pain in the back or abdomen, and cloudy, dark, or bloody urine.

Why are women more prone to urinary tract infections?

Women are ten times more likely to suffer from urinary tract infections (UTI) than men. More than 50 percent of women will have a UTI at some point in their life. The main reason is that the urethra in women is much shorter, making it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder and cause an infection. It also becomes more of a health problem if the woman has diabetes.

Do people with diabetes have more urinary tract infections?

Yes, people with diabetes seem to be more prone to developing urinary tract infections (UTI) than people who do not have diabetes. Some statistics indicate that people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes are about twice as likely to experience urinary tract infections as people without diabetes. This increased risk of UTI for diabetics may be due to several reasons. The person may have poor circulation because of diabetes, which lowers the ability of white blood cells to travel in the bloodstream and fight off infection. And if he or she has high blood glucose, it can damage the nerves of the bladder, so the person cannot sense when the organ is full. The person also may have trouble controlling the muscles that help release urine, causing bacteria to grow within the bladder.

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