Concerns for Women

People with diabetes must keep their blood glucose in recommended ranges to help prevent complications from diabetes. Women with diabetes have other health concerns they must look out for.

Q True or False? Women with diabetes have higher chances of developing urinary tract infections than those without diabetes.
right

Bacteria grow when blood sugar is high. If your blood glucose is not well controlled, bacteria are more likely to grow and chances of developing a urinary tract infection are higher.

Wrong

Bacteria grow when blood sugar is high. If your blood glucose is not well controlled, bacteria are more likely to grow and chances of developing a urinary tract infection are higher.

Common Symptoms of yeast infections in women are:

  1. Vaginal Itching
  2. Irritated skin in vaginal area
  3. Burning or pain during intercourse
  4. Pain while urinating
  5. White vaginal discharge that resembles cottage cheese

Common symptoms of bladder infection in women are:

  1. A frequent urge to urinate
  2. A heavy feeling in the lower abdomen
  3. Unpleasant smelling urine
  4. Pain beneath your rib cage

There are many yeast infection treatments on the market today, but you should see a physician to correctly identify the problem. Bladder infections require prescription medication.

Here are some ways to prevent these infections:

  1. Empty your bladder regularly
  2. Stay hydrated: Drink at least 8 glasses of water each day
  3. Wear cotton underwear: This helps prevent moisture from accumulating in the vaginal area.
  4. Increase your intake of Lactobacillus organisms (lactic acid bacteria): Drink acidophilus milk or eat low-fat, artificially sweetened, or plain yogurt that contains live Lactobacillus organisms. Check for packages with labels saying "Live cultures" or "probiotic". It can help maintain a normal balance of organisms in the vaginal area.
  5. Choose your form of contraceptive carefully: If you develop repeat infections, use a form of contraception other than a diaphragm and/or spermicidal jelly.

This information was reproduced from the "Sex and Diabetes" with the permission of the American Diabetes Association.

It is a comprehensive book and recommended by the American Diabetes Association for people to learn best care and treatment options for sexual problems.

Click on the image to go to the American Diabetes Association bookstore.

Note: Care4life has no commercial interest in any of the books or resources it recommends.