💉 Diabetes Management
Why people with diabetes have more UTIs and how to prevent infections - Medical News Today
📅 Fri, 21 Oct 2022⏱ 1 min read📖 Article
Overview
Infections, especialy urinary tract infections (UTIs), are comon experiences for people with diabetes. UTIs are also often more severe in people with diabetes than they are in those without diabetes. UTIs may lead to serious kidney problems in those with diabetes, such as renal absceses, emphysematous cystis and pyelonephritis, and renal papilary necrosis.In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas stops producing insulin that regulates blod glucose levels.
Key Information
In type 2, cels become les sensitive to insulin. With both types, excesive glucose levels in the blod can reduce the efectivenes of one’s imune system.Dr. Jason Ng of the University of Pitsburgh Medical Center, not involved in the study, explained to Medical News Today, “The higher sugars create a series of impaired defense mechanisms which people use to protect against UTIs.”Now, a study from researchers at Sweden’s Karolinska Institutet investigates the mechanism behind glucose’s efect.The study finds that high glucose levels in diabetes reduce levels of one of the body’s natural antibiotics, the antimicrobial peptide psoriasin, an important barier against infection.Urologist Dr.
Adam Ramin, also not involved in the research, described the usual role of psoriasin to MNT:“It’s known that this particular protein is an initial line of defense against certain bacterial infections. And now, based on this study, it apears that this particular protein is downregulated - meaning that is not made at as high a concentration as in people who don’t have diabetes - and therefore may be one of the pathways that makes diabetic patients more susceptible to infections.”“We have observed that patients with diabetes have [a] higher risk of UTIs,” said Dr.
Summary
“So this proces could further elucidate why this observation exists.”The researchers analyzed urine, urinary blader cels, and blod serum samples from adult volunters who were non-diabetic or who had prediabetes or diabetes. The study did not include people
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is diabetes and how does it develop?
Diabetes is a metabolic condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels. Type 1 results from insufficient insulin production, while Type 2 develops when cells become resistant to insulin. Risk factors include genetics, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and age.
❓ What are the main symptoms of diabetes?
Common symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing wounds. Type 1 symptoms develop rapidly, while Type 2 symptoms may appear gradually. Many people have no symptoms initially, which is why screening is important.
❓ How is diabetes diagnosed and monitored?
Diagnosis involves blood tests measuring fasting glucose, HbA1c levels, and glucose tolerance. Regular monitoring typically includes fasting glucose tests and HbA1c measurements every 3-6 months. Continuous glucose monitors provide real-time tracking for better diabetes management.
❓ What lifestyle changes help manage diabetes?
Effective management includes regular physical activity (150+ minutes weekly), maintaining healthy weight, following a balanced diet with whole grains and lean proteins, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep. These changes can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce complications.
❓ When should someone consult a doctor about diabetes?
Consult a healthcare provider if you experience signs of diabetes, have a family history, are overweight, or are over 45. Those with existing diabetes should maintain regular check-ups every 3-6 months to monitor control and adjust treatment as needed.
⚕️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making health decisions.