Diabetes and UTI often go hand in hand. People affected with diabetes are more prone to getting infected with urinary tract infections because of increased glucose in urine. Since bacteria survive on sugar, the increased amount of glucose in the urinary tract acts as an ideal breeding ground for them. However, UTIs with diabetes can be managed if we take necessary precautionary actions. Let’s understand them in detail.
What are the challenges of managing UTI treatment alongside diabetes care?
People with diabetes have a greater risk of getting recurrent UTIs because of more sugar content in their urine. This creates an ideal ground for bacteria to grow and multiply in the urinary tract, increasing the risk of UTI. A weakened immune response also weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections. Managing UTI and diabetes can be challenging because of the following factors:
Increased risk of UTI
Hyperglycemia in diabetics facilitates bacterial multiplication in the urinary system, thereby increasing the frequency of UTI infection and the challenge in treatment. Sugar in the urine facilitates bacterial growth, thus predisposing individuals to recurrent infections.
Delayed recognition of symptoms
Diabetic neuropathy may also reduce the sense of pain or the urge to urinate. So the infection may well not be diagnosed or treated in time, exacerbating the condition.
Antibiotic resistance
Another risk factor is recurrent antibiotic treatments for UTIs. Even if patients often respond well to the antibiotics treatment of UTI, their repeated exposure to antibiotics heightens the chances of developing antibiotic-resistant infections, making these harder to treat and often requiring stronger or longer courses of medication. Treatment with homoeopathic medicines is considered better due to various reasons.
Complications in the kidney
Diabetics are more predisposed to kidney disease, and UTIs are much more dangerous if the infection progresses to the kidneys, a condition called pyelonephritis. Kidney infections cause many problems in diabetics by either requiring hospitalisation or further damaging kidney function.
Challenges with hydration and diet
Proper hydration also helps in flushing bacteria from the urinary tract and managing blood sugar. But diabetics most of the time become dehydrated because they have increased urination resulting from elevated levels of blood sugar. Furthermore, because blood sugars should be controlled and set at the right levels for diabetics through diet, treatments for UTI can be quite tough as changes in carbohydrate intake may be indicated: Fluid intakes may need to be increased or a diet changes such as a cranberry juice or probiotics. All these may be challenging in terms of blood sugar control if not watched closely.
How can blood sugar monitoring improve UTI outcomes?
Monitoring blood sugar regularly plays a crucial role in improving UTI symptoms for individuals with diabetes. This is because when blood sugar is in control, less glucose spills into the urine. Since bacteria thrive on sugar, keeping the blood sugar in check minimises the environment for bacterial growth.
Furthermore, high blood glucose can weaken the immune system, keeping it in check makes it easier to fight off infections, including UTIs. Moreover, recurrent UTIs can lead to other complications like sepsis, kidney failure, etc. so monitoring it helps cut off the risk of these complications.
What are the best practices for handling both conditions simultaneously?
People with diabetes struggle more to manage urinary tract diseases. As the higher sugar content in their blood passes through their urine, they are inclined to the risk of getting UTIs. Although, there’s hope. Dr Krutika Ingle, Consultant Diabetologist and Physician, Sugar.fit, Saifee Healthcare, Mumbai, Maharashtra suggests these tips to manage diabetes and UTI together:
- Keep blood sugar levels in control because high blood sugar levels can make infections more likely.
- Maintain good personal hygiene, drink plenty of fluids, and make any necessary changes to sexual practices to help prevent UTIs.
- A urine culture and sensitivity along with your urine routine and microscopy test, would be more accurate for treating the infection and avoiding antibiotic resistance.
- For persistent or recurrent cases, consulting a urologist or infectious disease expert can provide specialised care.
Diabetes and UTI can be managed if we take care of our diet, water intake and medications. Also, if urinary tract infections don’t go away with antibiotics. People can opt for homoeopathy or other types of medications by consulting your doctor. Monitoring your blood sugar is necessary as it will help you track any changes in blood sugar and help in catering it in time.
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