Although not absolutely settled, it is widely accepted that for people with diabetes, risk for infection is greatly enhanced. Certainly, anyone can develop an infection. But for patients with diabetes, risk for infection of some specific types show a higher prevalence in diabetics, and have unique characteristics when they occur in diabetics when compared to non-diabetics.
Studying the diabetes risk for infection is made more difficult because infection data is less readily available from reliable sources.
How is an Infection Defined?
Before discussing the diabetes risk for infection, it is helpful to look at the medical definition of infection. It is defined as the invasion of the body by pathogenic microorganisms, which multiply and can lead to tissue damage and disease. This just means that an organism, (including bacteria, parasites, fungi, and viruses) enter the body and then start to grow out of control. The body responds by swelling and by sometimes producing pus (the white, sticky, secretion commonly seen with many types of infections).
Infections often lead to chronic wounds, loss of infected body extremities, gangrene, and even death. Some of the organisms are harmless unless they penetrate the body. Staph is a good example of this. It is harmless if only present on the surface of the skin. But if it gets into a wound or the capsule of a joint, it will multiply rapidly and without resistance, spreading quickly.
Diabetes and Infections
For people with diabetes, risk for infection rises proportionately to the HbA1c level. HbA1c is a hemoglobin measurement that identifies the average plasma glucose level over a period of time (4 to 6 weeks). This is mostly due to the fact that hyperglycemia leads to neuropathy, which decreases blood circulation and a person’s ability to feel pain. When pain isn’t felt, an unseen small cut or blister can become infected before the person even realizes the wound exists. This is why it is recommended that diabetics make a habit of routinely inspecting areas like the bottom of their feet for wounds or small cuts.
Diabetes risk for infection is also increased because diabetics usually have itchy, dry skin. The scratching of the skin causes small abrasions or sores that provide an ideal entry point for bacteria.
Furthermore, hyperglycemia slows the healing process, giving an infection a longer time to “take hold” and spread. Keeping the blood glucose under good control reduces the risk of infection and increases the sensation of pain. This is just one more reason to monitor glucose levels daily and take any medications you need to keep your blood sugar under control. If you have diabetes, risk for infection is just one of the things that can be controlled by keeping healthy and following your doctors recommendations on your diabetes management.
