Diabetes and fever can be a serious combination. Diabetics have to worry about infections far more than non-diabetics because their immune systems are weaker. This makes it harder for diabetics to fight off infections and it makes diabetics more prone to infections as well. Therefore it is important understand the different symptoms involving diabetes and fever and seek treatment promptly.
Diabetes Fever Chills
Diabetes fever chills are a sign of infection. Diabetes fever is not necessarily an emergency, but should be taken seriously. Normally, they are the result of a bladder infection or some other infection that can be treated easily with antibiotics if care is given soon. However, there are many different types of infections which may bring about fever and diabetes. Some serious infections in diabetes to watch out for are:
- Infections of the feet
- Infections of the legs
- Staph Infections
- Yeast Infections
- Bladder Infections
Fever with diabetes can be a symptom of ketoacidosis, which is one of the most serious conditions of diabetes. If you have diabetes and fever it is wise for you to buy and over-the-counter ketone testing kit and check for high ketone levels. If the ketone levels are found to be high, then medical attention should be sought immediately.
Low Grade Fever Diabetes
According to LiveStrong.com, a low-grade diabetes fever may be a sign of thrush, which is a yeast infection that occurs in moist areas of the body such as the mouth. People with diabetes are at increase of getting oral infections such as this because saliva tends to have higher levels of sugar in it. Also, dry mouth due to dehydration causes saliva to not work as well, leading to infections.
Low grade fever may also be a sign of the infection of a light cut or scrape. A person with diabetes, having a light fever should check their hands, feet, and legs for any signs of wound or injury. They should also take precautions by making sure that skin is not too dry or cracked by moisturizing skin after they take a bath or shower. Many people don’t know this, but dry or cracked skin (leading to infection) is a major source of amputation caused by infection in the United States and other countries around the world today. This furthers the point that in diabetes any kind of infection is crucial, is a cause for concern, and should be discussed with a doctor as soon as possible.
