Diabetes is a chronic condition that can increase your risk of other health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, and nerve damage. In addition, it can also impact your urological health, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Many infections, especially Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs), have been associated with diabetes. We spoke to Dr Vrinda Agrawal, Consultant-Endocrinology, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, to understand whether high blood sugar levels can increase one's risk of UTI.

What Is An Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?

A UTI is a bacterial infection that affects the urinary system, including the bladder, urethra, ureters, and kidneys. In most cases, infection occurs in the bladder and urethra. While a bladder infection is usually caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli), an infection of the urethra occurs when bacteria from the anus spread to the urethra.

UTIs are more common in women than men. In fact, more than 50% of all women and at least 12% of men experience UTI in their lifetime, as per a study published in the journal BMC Infectious Diseases.

Are Diabetes Patients More At Risk Of UTI?

Dr Agrawal said, “Individuals with diabetes are generally at a higher risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs).”

A study published in the journal Healthcare found that the most common bacterial infection in diabetic patients is a UTI. It suggests that the overall prevalence of UTIs in diabetic patients was 25.3%, 7.2%, and 41.1% in males and females, respectively.

According to Dr Agrawal, several factors can contribute to this increased risk, including:

• A weakened immune system makes it harder for the body to fight off infections, including those in the urinary tract.
• Elevated blood sugar levels, which can provide an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive, increase the likelihood of infection.
• Diabetic neuropathy, which is nerve damage resulting from diabetes, can affect the nerves that control the bladder, leading to incomplete emptying of the bladder and allowing bacteria to multiply.

Symptoms Of UTI To Note

Here are some signs you may have a UTI infection and must get it examined immediately:

• Frequent urination
• Pain or a burning sensation during urination
• Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
• Lower abdominal pain or discomfort
• Fever and chills
• Blood in the urine
• You should also watch out for some non-urinary symptoms:
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Confusion (particularly in older adults)
• Nausea and vomiting

Treatment

“The standard treatment for a UTI involves antibiotics to eliminate the bacterial infection,” said Dr Agrawal, adding, “The specific antibiotic prescribed will depend on the type of bacteria causing the infection and its susceptibility to different antibiotics.”

He further shared, “It's crucial for individuals with diabetes to manage their blood sugar levels effectively to support the body's ability to fight off infections. Adequate fluid intake is also important to help flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.”

Ensure that you do not ignore an infection, as untreated UTIs can lead to more severe complications, such as kidney infections, warned the doctor.

Reference Link

https://www.onlymyhealth.com/diabetes-patients-more-at-risk-of-urinary-tract-infection-or-not-1704189256