Diabetes and Recurring Candida Infections - Prevention Tips

People with type 2 diabetes often struggle with a variety of skin issues. Diabetes and recurring candida infections is one of the types of skin problem that can cause a lot of discomfort and stress. Candida albicans is an organism that lives naturally on our bodies and usually does not cause problems. However, when it grows out of control it can cause a yeast infection. A diabetic is more prone to infections, but there are some ways to help prevent or minimize the risk.

Lowering the Risk of a Candida Infection

• Try to lose weight, if you are overweight. This will help to reduce the number of folds in the skin, a common place for candida albicans infections, which like moist areas. Weight loss will also help to reduce the amount of sweating (eliminating more moistness), plus even a small weight loss is beneficial in helping to keep blood glucose levels under control.

• Only use antiobiotics or other medications as prescribed by your doctor. Antiobitics can kill off 'good bacteria' which works to fight off yeast.

• Take good care of your hands and feet in particular. Wear gloves when working around the house or yard. Protect your skin from cuts and scrapes, even minor ones, which can increase the risk of an infection setting in.

• Don't share personal items like socks or gloves, toothbrushes or nailclippers.

• Keep your skin clean and dry. That's not to say that your skin should be excessively dry, cracking, or itchy. Practice good skin care to keep your skin supple.

• Follow your doctor's directions carefully. Take all medications, anti-fungal creams, lotions, or pills as directed. Complete the entire course of treatment even if the infection looks like it's gone away.

• Don't wait to see the doctor in the hopes that the infection will go away on its own. If it recurs, make an appointment and treat it early. Different medications may need to be tried if the one you're currently taking isn't resolving the problem.

• Keep your blood sugar levels tightly controlled. Elevated blood sugar gives yeast 'food' to grow on. Keeping blood sugar levels within your target range (as set by your doctor) will also help to prevent, delay, or minimize the severity of other diabetes-related complications. Monitor your blood glucose levels regularly so that you can quickly identify and address any problems.

Diabetes and recurring candida infections aren't uncommon, but they can be minimized or even prevented in some cases. Follow a consistent at-home skin care routine; eat a healthy and appropriate diet; get routine exercise; and take medications as directed. Infections that continue to recur despite taking all precautions, home care, and treatment, should be reported to your doctor as there may be another underlying condition that must be treated.