UTIs: A Lesser-Known Diabetes Complication

A few months ago, I had a sharp pain in my side and was urinating every hour. My first thought was that I had kidney disease. I hate when I assume the worst, but because there are so many diabetes complications, it’s hard not to think negatively sometimes. Then I thought it was probably a kidney infection, remembering the time I got one as a teenager and ruined a family vacation in Florida. Instead, it turned out to be a urinary tract infection (UTI). Turns out that diabetics are prone to UTIs.

Why UTIs are More Common in Diabetics

UTIs are a lesser-known diabetes complication. As a result, people with diabetes are up to twice as likely to get UTIs as those without the disease. And they’re prevalent among women. The reasons are:

• High blood sugar can lead to sugar in your urine, and sugar is a breeding ground for bacteria
• Nerve damage can keep your bladder from emptying and bacteria can hang around in your urinary tract longer if your bladder doesn’t empty completely after urination
• High blood sugar may impair the function of white blood cells, making the body less able to fight off infections

“Diabetes can affect the function and structure of the lower urinary tract, which in turn may play a role in patients with diabetes having more UTIs, overactive or underactive bladder, and problems with urination,” says Michael J. Kennelly, MD, Professor of Urology and Obstetrics & Gynecology at Carolinas Medical Center.

UTIs vs Kidney Infections

Because UTIs and kidney infections share many of the same symptoms, it’s difficult to tell them apart. Frequent urination, burning during urination, and pain in the abdomen are all signs of a UTI. Urine can also have a strong smell or be cloudy. In persons with diabetes, kidney infections are substantially more harmful. Likewise, abdominal pain, frequent urination, burning during urination, fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting are common symptoms of a kidney infection. In rare cases, untreated UTIs can lead to kidney damage or even kidney failure.

Prevention and Treatments

Your doctor will diagnose a urinary tract infection by urine test and treat it with antibiotics. Trust me, once you get your first painful one and are urinating every hour, you’ll do everything in your power to prevent future infections. Here are some ways to prevent and treat them:

• Keep blood sugars in a healthy range
• Drink plenty of water
• Maintain good genital hygiene
• Wipe front to back after urinating and bowel movements
• Drink cranberry juice, but unsweetened
• Urinate immediately when you feel the need, and after sex to flush out bacteria
• Eat unsweetened yogurts such as Greek yogurt, which contains good bacteria called probiotics, or take a probiotic supplement containing Lactobacillus rhamnoses or Lactobacillus reuteri
• Wear cotton underwear-synthetic fabrics hold in moisture more than cotton does, and any damp environment is a breeding ground for bacteria
• Change out of your sweaty workout clothes as soon as you can for the reason mentioned above

Conclusion

Unfortunately, once you get your first UTI, it will increase your risk for additional infections. See your doctor if you suspect you have a UTI or any other urinary problems. Antibiotics will probably be necessary, but you can also use the tips above to prevent and treat future occurrences.

Diabetic News

Senator Susan Collins, the founder of the Senate Diabetes Caucus, revealed that a government funding bill was signed into law and includes $2.2 billion for diabetes research, an increase of $71.95 million. The government funding bill also includes $3.3 million for the National Diabetes Prevention Program.

Quote

“You don’t have to let your life be destroyed by diabetes. You can reclaim your life.” Della Reese, American actress, and singer

Disclaimer

Please remember this is not medical advice or intended to replace the advice of your doctor. This is my experience with the natural supplements that have helped me manage my diabetes.  They are not intended to cure any disease. Please do not self-diagnose. Always check with your health care provider before trying new treatments.

Also, natural does not mean safe. Many natural remedies have side effects and can interact with medication and supplements. It should be noted that the FDA does not regulate dietary supplements but treats them like foods and not medication. Unlike drug manufacturers, supplement makers do not have to show their products are safe or effective.

I ask you to please keep an open mind; be a diabetic detective and do your own research; work with your healthcare team; see what works best for you, and monitor your blood sugars.