Type 2 Diabetes and Yeast Infections

A vaginal yeast infection is a common condition that occurs from an overgrowth of yeast (a type of fungus) in the body. It causes symptoms like thick vaginal discharge, itchiness, and irritation.

While yeast normally lives in the body without causing issues, it can overgrow and lead to an infection when the immune system is weakened or when there’s a change in the vaginal environment. Because yeast feeds on sugar, people with diabetes who have elevated blood sugar levels may be prone to getting vaginal yeast infections.

This article discusses vaginal yeast infections in people with diabetes, and provides tips on treatment and prevention.

Signs and Symptoms of a Yeast Infection

The signs of a vaginal yeast infection are pretty recognizable if you've had one before. For many people, signs include:

• Vaginal itching
• Redness or soreness around the vagina
• Clumpy or thick white discharge
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Pain or burning while urinating
  

Causes and Risk Factors

There are several factors that can interfere with the balance of bacteria and yeast in the vagina, increasing your risk of developing a yeast infection.

One factor is having type 2 (and also type 1) diabetes, particularly if the condition is uncontrolled. Yeast feeds on sugar, so it's likely to thrive and overgrow when blood sugar levels are high.

Other factors that can contribute to a vaginal yeast infection include:

• Pregnancy
• Hormone changes
• Birth control
• Weakened immune system
• Antibiotic use
• Wearing underwear that is too tight or damp
• Sexual activity

Diabetes and Yeast Infections

Diabetes is a chronic condition affecting the body's ability to process glucose (sugar), leading to dangerously high blood sugar levels. Researchers have found a link between these high blood sugar levels from diabetes and vaginal yeast infections.

People with type 2 diabetes may be even more susceptible to getting vaginal yeast infections, likely because they have more sugar in their system, disrupting the vagina's balance of bacteria and yeast.

High Blood Sugar Levels

When blood sugar levels are high, the body starts to get rid of excess sugar through bodily fluids, including vaginal secretions. Yeast gets its energy from sugar, so this vaginal environment makes it easy for yeast to multiply, overgrow, and turn into a yeast infection.

High blood sugar also interferes with immune system functions (the body's defense system) that help fight off yeast infections. This means uncontrolled diabetes can make it more difficult to prevent and get rid of a vaginal yeast infection.

Diabetes Medications

Certain diabetes medications can also contribute to an environment in which vaginal yeast infections can easily grow.

A class of diabetes drugs known as sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors are used to help lower blood sugar. These medications work by encouraging the body to off-load excess sugar through urine. This means sugar is passing through the urinary tract more frequently, potentially feeding the growth of a vaginal yeast infection.

Examples of SGLT-2 inhibitor medications include:

• Farxiga (dapagliflozin)
• Invokana (canagliflozin)
• Jardiance (empagliflozin)
• Steglatro (ertugliflozin)

Diagnosis

While you may be able to detect a yeast infection when you begin experiencing the usual symptoms, it's best to get an official diagnosis from a healthcare provider whenever possible. This will help ensure that you actually have a yeast infection, and that you receive treatment that works for you.

To diagnose a vaginal yeast infection, a healthcare provider will perform a pelvic exam. This includes examining the affected area and taking a swab of vaginal discharge to check for the presence of yeast. If needed, the sample may be sent to a laboratory for an accurate evaluation.

Treatment

There are a few options to treat a yeast infection based on symptoms and severity of the case. These include:

• A prescription oral anti fungal medication, such as Diflucan (fluconazole)
• Over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal cream, such as Lotrimin AF (clotrimazole), Monistat (miconazole), Vagistat-1 (tioconazole), or Femstat (butoconazole)

Different courses of treatment have slightly different timelines, but most medications are used for one to seven days. Your healthcare provider may recommend longer-term medications or routine oral medications if your symptoms are severe or if you get vaginal yeast infections often. This may be necessary for people with diabetes.

Preventing Yeast Infections

Even though diabetes can place you at a higher risk of getting a yeast infection, there are some steps you can take to help protect yourself.

A primary prevention strategy for people with diabetes includes keeping your blood sugar levels in check. This ensures the vagina's balance of bacteria and yeast stay at a healthy level. Under the direction of your healthcare provider, you can do this by:

• Knowing your blood sugar targets
• Maintaining a healthy diet with low amounts of carbohydrates
• Drinking plenty of water
• Following an exercise routine
• Taking diabetes medication as prescribed

Other tips to help prevent a vaginal yeast infection include:

• Wearing breathable cotton underwear that’s not too tight
• Keeping your vagina clean and dry
• Changing pads and tampons frequently 
• Avoiding douching and using any vaginal products with perfumes or dyes
• Eating foods rich in probiotics like yogurt
  

Summary

A vaginal yeast infection is a common overgrowth of yeast in the body. Because yeast thrives off of sugar, high blood sugar levels in uncontrolled type 2 diabetes can make yeast infections more likely.

Symptoms include itching, burning, and a thick, white discharge from the vagina. Treatment may include a prescription oral antifungal medication or an OTC antifungal cream. Making sure blood sugar levels are under control can help people with diabetes prevent the frequency and severity of vaginal yeast infections.

A Word From Verywell

Vaginal yeast infections are very common, and they are usually not very serious if treated properly. So, if you have an underlying condition like diabetes that makes this risk even greater, don't fret. Make sure you're taking extra steps to prevent infections from occurring by controlling your blood sugar levels as much as possible. For additional diabetes support in your area, look for resources from the American Diabetes Association.