You’re determined to turn your health around after discovering that you have Type 2 diabetes. But then you hear that vulnerability to infections and Type 2 diabetes go together. What’s all that about? Should you resign yourself to a life filled with comorbidities? There’s good news for you: managing Type 2 diabetes well makes you more resistant to these woes.

But why are people with Type 2 diabetes said to be more prone to infections, and what type of infections might these be? In this article we’ll cover the reasons why Type 2 diabetes can lower resistance to infection and the most common infections that occur.

Why are People With Type 2 Diabetes More Prone to Infections?

High levels of sugar in the blood feed the microorganisms that are responsible for infections (like bacteria or yeasts), helping them to take hold and spread faster. Over time, if diabetes is not well controlled, blood sugar levels rise to the point where they are harmful for your body. The nervous system and circulatory system are the most sensitive to damage from high sugar levels. With nerve damage, your body is less able to detect damage and react to restore itself, and with blood circulation impaired, it’s harder for your body to maintain itself and heal.

But, you don’t have to take all this lying down. Two factors can help you to minimise your chances of getting diabetes-related infections: early detection and good diabetes management. Early detection means you can limit damage by beginning to manage your diabetes sooner, and good management keeps blood sugar levels within safe limits.

The message is clear: if you suspect that you may have Type 2 diabetes, don’t delay having your concerns checked out. And, if you’re already diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, work with your medical team to achieve balanced blood sugar levels.

Most Likely Infections if You Have Type 2 Diabetes

Although there are some less-usual infections that occur among people with Type 2 diabetes, a few types of infections are relatively common. These include:

Type 2 Diabetes and Chest Infections

Researchers found that although people with and without Type 2 diabetes are almost equally prone to upper respiratory tract infections (think colds and flu), lower respiratory tract infections (like pneumonia) are more common in people with Type 2 diabetes. Apart from managing your diabetes well, consider getting flu shots to minimise your chances of this type of infection.

Type 2 Diabetes and Urinary Tract Infections

When your blood sugar levels are high, the kidneys excrete some of that extra glucose into the urine. This increases the growth of organisms that can cause infections down below and lead to urine infections or thrush. Once again, keeping your blood sugar levels as balanced as possible, and doing so in the long term, will help to keep you healthy.

Foot Infections and Diabetes Type 2

While foot infections might not sound terribly serious, they can be - especially if you are living with Type 2 diabetes. Ordinary sores that would otherwise heal well are a risk. With blood circulation not being as good as it should be, healing is slow, and that leaves more time for infections to set in. Ultimately, this could lead to amputation.

As before, keeping your circulatory system healthy by managing your diabetes effectively makes a difference. However, people living with Type 2 diabetes should be extra careful of their feet, actively avoiding situations that can lead to minor sores and consulting their doctors if they notice any signs of infection.

Type 2 Diabetes and Ear Infections

Poor blood flow and high blood sugar levels can cause various ear infections as well as nose and throat infections. When it comes to ears, your biggest enemy will be otitis externa (swimmer’s ear), an infection that usually makes itself felt with itching that progresses to a nasty earache.

Prevention is definitely better than cure, so managing blood sugar levels is a good first step. Besides this, you should dry your ears well, never swim in dirty or polluted water, and protect your ears from chemicals found in hair dyes and hairsprays.

Type 2 Diabetes and Yeast Infections

It’s not just bacteria that thrive on extra sugar in your blood. Fungi are also happy in this environment. Yeast infections are common in people with diabetes, especially when their blood sugar levels tend to be too high.

Most people think of yeast infections as affecting the mouth or reproductive organs, but they can also infect skin folds and nails.

Apart from learning how to keep your blood sugar at a healthy level, you can prevent yeast infections by wearing loose clothing, choosing cotton underwear that wicks moisture away from the skin, and drying your skin carefully after your bath or shower. If you notice changes to your nails, have itchy rashes, a bitter taste in your mouth that won’t go away, or spot unusual discharge in your underwear, see a doctor.

Diabetes Infection Risk and Life Insurance

With so much potential for trouble when blood sugar levels are too high, it’s no wonder that many insurance companies have concerns about providing life insurance for people with Type 2 diabetes. If you apply for life insurance and have Type 2 diabetes you may find that there are long delays while insurance companies wait for you to provide extra information to help them assess your risks. Then, you have to wait for them to process that information.

At Blueberry Life, getting life insurance with chronic conditions is quick and easy. You know that life insurance is important - especially if you have a family relying on you. We don’t make you wait because we specialise in providing life insurance for people living with chronic conditions, like Type 2 diabetes. That means we’re geared to fulfil your need for life insurance quickly and efficiently. Put us to the test. Complete our simple online application form and get instant peace of mind.

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Reviewed by Dr. Kingshuk Pal