Both a symptom and side effect of diabetes, painful urination occurs in both genders, though mostly associated with women. Known as dysuria, painful urination is most commonly associated with a urinary tract infection (UTI) or kidney infection. Usually caused by the bacteria E.coli found in the colon and around the anus, UTIs often occur in women due to poor hygiene or sexual intercourse when bacteria travel from the anus to the urethra or bladder causing infection. Left untreated, bacteria can reach the kidneys causing serious infection. Men who suffer from an enlarged prostrate or kidney stones are also at an increased risk, though in general, because their urethra is longer and drier men are less prone to UTIs. Patients who suffer from painful urination or UTI may feel discomfort in the urethra, vaginal opening, lower abdomen, pelvic area, lower back (kidneys), and is accompanied by the frequent urge to urinate in women.
Diabetes Painful Urination Causes According to Type
When associated with diabetes, painful urination can be a symptom of both types. In type I diabetes patients UTIs occur when the immune system is suppressed making it more difficult to fight off harmful bacteria. In type II diabetes patients, glucose left in body tissues allows for excessive bacteria to grow. In known sufferers of either type of diabetes, painful urination may be an indicator of excessive blood sugar and the need for a more regulated treatment.
Diabetes – Painful Urination Treatments and Prevention
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) proper diagnosis requires analysis of symptoms and a urine sample. Usually antibiotics are prescribed to eliminate excess bacteria. Pure cranberry juice and homeopathic cranberry capsules have been found to be effective though they should only be used within the first days of infection. Particularly if you are at high risk or have a family history of diabetes in is important to speak with your doctor as painful urination may be a symptom of an immune disorder. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, painful urination may signal that your glucose levels are out of balance. The American Diabetes Association recommends the following steps toward prevention in women: drinking lots of fluids and urinating frequently, urinating after sexual intercourse, keeping the genital area clean, and changing birth control method. For all suffers of UTIs but particularly those with diabetes, painful urination prevention starts with diet and nutrition. Fluids should be drunk frequently aiming for 8-10 glasses of water a day. Glucose levels may be lowered by adhering to a high protein and low carbohydrate diet thereby reducing the amount of glucose in body tissues.
