Hyperglycaemia can lead to recurrent infections in the body, including thrush, cystitis, and skin infections, experts at the NHS certified. Other symptoms may consist of nausea and fruity smelling breath.
Thrush
Thrush is a yeast infection that leads to white discharge, akin to cottage cheese, found around the genitals in men and women. The culprit is the fungus candida, which will grow in warm, moist conditions when a person has poorly controlled diabetes.
In women, there will be itching and irritation around the vagina, as well as soreness and stinging during sex or when urinating.
As for men, there will also be irritation, burning and redness around the head of the penis and under the foreskin.
Men will also experience an unpleasant smell and difficulty pulling back the foreskin.
Thrush may also appear in the armpits and between the fingers, leading to a painful rash that scales over with white or yellow discharge.
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Cystitis
Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder, described by the NHS as a common type of urinary tract infection.
The main symptoms of cystitis include pain, burning or stinging when you pee.
Other signs may include needing to pee more often and more urgently than normal, as well as dark, cloudy or strong smelling urine.
There may also be pain low down in the tummy area, as well as feeling unwell, achy, sick and tired.
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While many can recover from cystitis within a few days, recurrent infections warrant an appointment with the doctor.
Cystitis is caused by usually harmless bacteria that is present in the bowel or on the skin.
It is when this bacteria gets into the urethra and travels to the bladder when problems occur.
Diabetes can increase the likelihood of cystitis, as high blood sugar can provide a good environment for bacteria to multiply.
Moreover, as the body tries to excrete excess sugar, the need to urinate is likely to be greater than usual.
Other signs of high blood sugar can include:
- Tiredness
- Blurred vision
- Unintentional weight loss
- Tummy pain.
Diabetics are advised to follow the guidance set out by their care team to lower high blood sugar levels.
Usual advice includes exercising more frequently, drinking sugar-free fluids, and following a healthy diet.