Fungal infections occur when yeast that naturally lives in the body overgrows. A person with diabetes has a higher risk of a fungal infection, and diabetes can make treatment more challenging.

It is important for people with diabetes to recognize symptoms of a fungal infection and receive prompt treatment to avoid potentially serious complications.

Yeast is present in the skin and near mucous membranes. It helps keep neighboring bacteria in check. However, if too much yeast collects, candidiasis — more commonly known as a yeast infection — can develop. It can cause discomfort, including pain and itchiness.

Yeast is most likely to excessively grow in areas that are warm and moist, including the mouth, the genital area, the feet, and skin folds.

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Evidence notes that individuals living with diabetes have a higher risk of fungal infections, such as candidiasis.

Most yeast infections occur due to an overgrowth of Candida albicans. This fungus is part of a person’s natural microflora. The microflora refers to microorganisms that commonly live in or on our bodies. Candida albicans is often present in the mouth, vagina, skin, and gut.

This fungus does not typically cause problems, unless it begins to growth out of control. Certain health conditions, including diabetes, can make it harder for the body to control Candida growth. As such, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that diabetes is a risk factor for candidiasis.

In people with diabetes, symptoms can worsen more quickly than in other people. Also, infections can be harder to treat. If an infection does not heal, it can lead to complications.

Living with diabetes is a risk factor for yeast infections. This is likely due to the following factors:

Compromised immune system

The immune system plays an important role in preventing illnesses and fighting off infections. However, diabetes can impair a person’s immune system, increasing their risk of infection.

Having high blood sugar levels, known as hyperglycemia, can add stress to the body and cause it to work harder. This includes the white blood cells of the immune system, which can detect and fight off fungi. As such, a person living with diabetes may have a weakened and less effective immune system, meaning they are more prone to infections.

Extra sugars in yeast-friendly areas

Diabetes can also make it easier for yeast and other pathogens to cling to skin cells and mucous glands. This may be because of the presence of extra sugars, which allow the yeast to colonize at unhealthy levels.

When blood glucose levels are high, the body may excrete extra sugar in:

  • mucus
  • sweat
  • urine

Yeast feeds on sugar, making these secretions the most likely factor in overgrowth. For example, vaginal yeast infections are more common in those living with diabetes. This is partly due to the higher secretion of glucose in the urine.

Persistent infections

Once the yeast has colonized in an area, it becomes easier for an infection to return. A person susceptible to yeast infections, due to difficulty managing diabetes, will also have a higher risk of recurring problems.

For example, roughly 5% of females get four or more vaginal yeast infections in 1 year. This is known as vulvovaginal candidiasis, which is more common in those with diabetes.

Yeast infections can manifest differently in different parts of the body.

Skin infection

Also known as cutaneous candidiasis, a yeast infection of the skin may cause it to change color. It may also cause itchy patches of varying shapes and sizes.

These symptoms usually develop in skin folds, but they can spread to other parts of the body, including the face or trunk. A yeast infection can also affect the scalp.

Genital infection

These are more common in females than in males, but a male who has difficulty managing their diabetes may have a higher risk.

Females with a genital yeast infection may notice:

  • vaginal itching or pain, including a burning sensation
  • a white, cottage cheese-like discharge
  • a burning sensation or another type of pain while urinating
  • an unpleasant odor

Males with a genital yeast infection may have an itchy, scaly rash on the penis.

Eye infection

Although rare, symptoms of a fungal eye infection can include:

  • pain
  • redness
  • blurred vision
  • discharge
  • sensitivity to light
  • watery eyes

Without treatment, it can lead to vision loss.

Foot infection

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection.

For a person with diabetes, damage to the skin on the feet can lead to ulceration and, in some cases, the need for amputation. Nerve damage and circulatory problems that occur with diabetes can make this more likely to happen.

It is important to take measures to prevent fungal infections on the feet. This can include inspecting the feet regularly and receiving prompt treatment for any signs of an infection.

Oral thrush

According to the CDC, symptoms of oral thrush can include:

  • white patches on the inside of the cheeks
  • redness or pain in the mouth
  • cracking and redness in the corners of the mouth
  • loss of taste
  • a “cottony” sensation in the mouth

A person with diabetes has a higher chance of developing a fungal infection in the mouth. Diabetes can cause dryness in the mouth and high glucose levels in the saliva.

Once a doctor identifies a yeast infection, several treatment methods exist, depending on the type of infection.

Topical creams or suppositories

A doctor will usually recommend these first, as they work well during the early stages of an infection. The doctor may prescribe an antifungal cream, such as clotrimazole, to apply directly to the affected area for up to 7 days.

Antifungal creams and suppositories are available over the counter, but a person should speak with a doctor before using them. This is because the problem may not be a yeast infection, and using these medications too frequently can cause yeast to become resistant to them.

Oral antifungal medication

If a cream or suppository does not work, or if the person has had several yeast infections in a short time, a doctor might prescribe an oral antifungal medication, such as fluconazole.

Home and natural remedies

People sometimes use the following to treat yeast infections at home:

However, if symptoms persist, consult a doctor. Not effectively treating a fungal infection can lead to complications.

To reduce the risk of fungal infections, a person can consider:

  • wearing cotton underwear
  • wearing breathable clothing
  • keeping areas at risk of infection clean and dry
  • maintaining good oral health

Additionally, for a person living with diabetes, it is advisable to manage the condition and keep blood sugar levels within a suitable range to avoid potential complications.

Initially, a doctor will ask about symptoms and examine the affected area. Different exams may be necessary to test for different types of candidiasis. For example, a doctor may be able to diagnose oral candidiasis by simply looking inside the mouth, while they may need a small sample of vaginal discharge to diagnose vaginal candidiasis.

If a person who does not have diagnosed diabetes experiences unusually frequent infections, they may consider consulting a doctor, who may test for diabetes.

Fungal infections are common, especially in people with diabetes. This is likely due to how diabetes affects the immune system and leads to higher levels of glucose in bodily fluids.

Effective treatment is available. However, it is crucial to contact a doctor and receive treatment early to prevent the problem from getting worse.