People with diabetes are at risk of developing several infections. The absence of proper treatment and inability to control blood sugar levels can lead to various complications, including UTIs or urinary tract infections.
What is UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) ?
This condition refers to an infection affecting the urinary tract. Its symptoms include frequent urination, burning sensation during urination, fever, nausea, and flank pain. In severe cases, blood can appear in the urine.
What are the symptoms of UTI?
If you have diabetes and notice some of these symptoms, report your condition to your doctor immediately.
- Frequent urination
- Burning sensation when urinating
- Blood or cloudy urine
- Pain in the lower abdomen
- Fever or chills
Not all people with diabetes experience the same symptoms. The symptoms of UTI can vary in every person. For example, UTIs associated with dementia usually occur in older adults. Meanwhile, some people only experience mild pain in their backs or abdomen.
How can you prevent a UTI?
Proper management of the blood sugar levels will help prevent UTI development. Maintaining blood sugar levels within the normal range inhibits diabetes-related complications. Here are prevention tips that you can follow to remain healthy with diabetes.
- Drink 8 – 10 glasses of water every day.
- Constantly rehydrate after exercising.
- Do not hold your urge to urinate.
- Wear comfortable undergarments, preferably cotton brands.
The treatment for UTIs involves antibiotics. However, please do not use them unless prescribed. Co-administering unapproved drugs with your diabetes medications can result in drug interactions.
Keep regular appointments with your healthcare professional to know your health status. Furthermore, do not stop with your diabetes treatment to prevent the development of severe health complications.
