For women with diabetes, vaginal infections (vaginitis) can become more prevalent. Infections that afflict all women such as yeast and bacterial infections can become recurrent in diabetic patients. Directly related to the amount of glucose in the body, failure to monitor blood sugar levels creates an ideal environment for the growth of candida (yeast) and bacteria as mucus secretions contain a higher level of glucose.

Typical Diabetes Vaginal Infections

It is likely that every woman will have a yeast infection once in her life. Caused by candida, symptoms of a yeast infection include burning, itching, abnormal discharge, and chafing of the thighs. Triggers for infection can vary. Hygiene plays a role as wearing polyester underwear and pantyhose can cause an infection as can scented tampons, douching, and not changing out of damp clothing immediately. In diabetic women glucose levels complicate these factors. When a woman has a yeast …