Diabetes and vaginal infection: Does high blood sugar leads to vaginal infection?

Verified by Dr. Vaishali Sakpal Rane (MBBS, DGO Obstetrics and Gynaecology, DNB Obstetrics and Gynaecology)

Yes, diabetes and vaginal infection are related. High blood sugar puts you at risk of developing many health problems and possibility of getting vaginal infections is one of them . Yeast is a fungus which naturally lives in the human body without causing any harm but infections happen when this yeast overgrows its normal quantity causing an unbalanced vaginal flora, and ultimately leading to a fungal infection. A person suffering with diabetes has a higher risk of developing a fungal infection, and the treatment also becomes more difficult.

High sugar containing foods help in providing the right environment for the growth of bad bacterias. When the amount of bad bacterias and yeast's increases it leads to an imbalance in the vaginal microbiome. When you eat foods containing excess sugars, it ends up in your blood and flows through the body, bad yeasts feed on this sugar. They grow in abnormally significant numbers causing vaginal yeast infections such as Candidia Albicans. Well, sugar is not only the culprit but it is indeed a very common risk factor.

In people with diabetes, more prominently in people who have uncontrolled diabetes, symptoms can grow worse much quickly than in other people. Also, the infections are very hard to heal. 

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Bacterial vaginosis 

Bacterial vaginosis is a type of vaginal infection caused when there’s an overgrowth of bacteria naturally found in the vagina. This upsets the natural vaginal flora and leads to infection. Certain activities, like unprotected sex or frequent douching, increase your risk.

Symptoms

Bacterial vaginosis signs and symptoms may include:

• Vaginal discharge can be grey, white or green colour 
• Foul-smelling ( fishy smell) vaginal odour
• Itching in vagina 
• Burning sensation during urination

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Vaginal thrush

Vaginal thrush is a type of vaginal infection caused by the overgrowth of a fungus called Candida albicans. This yeast is also present naturally in your vagina but it’s overgrowth can lead to infection.

Symptoms of vaginal thrush can include: 

• Vaginal itching and burning
• Unusual white discharge from vagina 
• Burning sensation while peeing
• Pain and soreness in vagina 

It’s very important to take measures to prevent diabetes, and if you have diabetes you should keep it under control. Avoid having too much sugary food and drinks especially if you are diabetic. Do consult a doctor if you find any symptom.