UTI and Diabetes - An Overview

Introduction:

Diabetes is on the rise throughout the world. It can have an impact on other organs of the body. They have an increased risk of infection. It may affect the lower urinary tract. This may be the reason for frequent UTIs among diabetics. It was estimated that around 9.3 percent of diabetics are present in America.

What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by increased blood sugar or glucose levels. Glucose is considered to be an important source of energy. When the food consumed is broken down into glucose, it enters the bloodstream. Glucose should enter the cells to convert it into energy for their use. Insulin, a hormone, is necessary to enter glucose into a cell. This hormone is secreted from the pancreas.

Among individuals without diabetes, the pancreas makes sufficient amounts of insulin. This hormone helps glucose to enter the cells and get utilized as energy. Individuals with type 1 diabetes do not secrete insulin. Among those with type 2 diabetes, either the body does not produce insulin, or the body does not use the insulin properly (insulin resistance). When insufficient insulin is in the body, it may lead to increased glucose levels in the blood. This may further affect many body organs, such as kidneys and eyes.

Being diabetic may increase the risk of developing other health problems like heart disease, kidney disease, nerve damage, obesity, increased blood pressure, stroke, and many more. It was found that increased glucose levels in the blood and urine and impaired immunity may cause UTI or bladder infection.

What Is an Urinary Tract Infection?

UTI is an infection that affects the urinary system. The urinary system involves the bladder, urethra, kidneys, and urinary tract. Women are at higher risk of getting affected by UTI than men.

The bacterial infection may be painful and annoying if it is confined to the bladder. If the infection spreads to the kidney, it may lead to serious health issues.

Symptoms of UTI include,

• A strong feeling to urinate, but that does not go away.

• A burning sensation while urinating.

• Urinating is frequent, and small amounts of urine are passed.

• The urine appears to be cloudy.

• Red-colored urine, or bright pink color, shows the blood in urine.

• Urine may have a strong smell.

• Pelvic pain may be seen.

Among elderly individuals, this condition may be overlooked, as well as other conditions.

UTI can affect the kidneys, and it causes fever, chills, pain in the lumbar region, and below the ribs at the back. Along with these symptoms, UTI may exhibit nausea, vomiting, and pain in the abdomen.

How Are UTI and Diabetes Connected?

Researchers have found that UTIs can be a commonly occurring condition among those with diabetes. UTIs can be seen among anyone, but diabetics are found to have a higher risk of getting affected by UTIs.

Various studies have found a few factors responsible for the frequent occurrence of UTIs among diabetics.

These include,

• Increased glucose levels in the urine may be the reason for the growth of bacteria. This creates a favorable environment for bacteria.

• Increased deposition and concentration of glucose in the renal parenchyma (a part of the kidney) act as a niche for the growth and development of bacteria. This leads to frequent occurrence of UTIs among diabetics.

• Many of the diabetics suffer from neuropathy. The nerves in the urinary tract get damaged. This results in the retention of urine and the feeling of not urinating properly. This further leads to more growth of bacteria, increasing the chances of UTIs among diabetics. Diabetic neuropathy among women may cause bladder infection and bladder dysfunction.

UTIs occurring among diabetics are of more severe types than those occurring among those without diabetes. These may lead to kidney problems like renal abscesses, emphysematous cystitis, pyelonephritis, and renal papillary necrosis.

It was also noticed that increased glucose levels may weaken the immune system. A study found that increased glucose levels among diabetics may reduce the natural antibiotic called psoriasin. This antibiotic was found to be an important barrier against infections.

It was noticed that psoriasin, a protein, acts as an initial line of defense against particular bacterial infections. A study found that this particular protein is reduced or down-regulated, which means that the concentration of protein prepared is not up to the levels prepared in those without diabetes. This may be the reason for the frequent occurrence of UTIs among diabetics.

A study noticed low levels of psoriasin were present among prediabetics or diabetics compared to non-diabetics. Another study noticed that reduced levels of psoriasin may weaken the cells, leading to an increased risk of bacterial infections. Psoriasin can inhibit the binding of bacteria to epithelial cells and endothelial cells. Because of this action, the bacteria may not be able to grow. Hence, they cannot enter the bladder and cause infections. When the psoriasin levels get reduced, the growth of bacteria is not inhibited, which leads to bladder infection.

Another study revealed an interesting point: a higher glucose concentration can reduce a natural antibiotic called psoriasin, but it was noted that insulin does not influence psoriasin.

What Are the Risk Factors of UTI Among Diabetics?

Risk factors that cause frequent UTIs among diabetics include,

• Increased levels of glucose in kidneys and urine.

• Reduced immune system.

• Nerve damage in the urinary tract is due to neuropathy among diabetics.

• Stones in the kidney or the bladder.

• Other conditions related to urinary tract.

• There are variations in hormones among women, especially during menopause.

• Entry of bacteria that may occur in the urethra during intercourse or oral sex.

If these risk factors are not kept under control, diabetics may tend to develop frequent UTIs.

How to Prevent UTI Among Diabetics?

UTIs are treated with antibiotics, but they can also be prevented from occurring. These include,

• Consuming sufficient water throughout the day.

• It is better to avoid holding the bladder.

• Comfortable cotton undergarments are advisable.

• Wiping after urinating is to be done from front to back.

• Keep checking the glucose levels often.

• Maintaining hygiene and pH levels in the intimate areas.

Conclusion:

UTIs are common, especially among diabetics. High glucose levels are found to be responsible for bacterial infections and reduced immune systems. Diabetes is a chronic condition caused by increased glucose levels. This further causes frequent occurrences of UTIs among diabetics. This can be prevented by knowing about diabetes, UTIs, and their connections with each other. Knowing about these two conditions helps identify them early. Early diagnosis always leads to effective treatment. This further helps improve the quality of life.