Studies have shown a significant link between high blood sugar and vaginal yeast infections. Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels can help reduce your risk of infection

A yeast infection, also known as candidiasis, is a type of fungal infection. It can cause irritation, itchiness, and discharge.

Vaginal yeast infections are common. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3 in 4 women will have at least one vaginal yeast infection in their lifetime.

Several things can increase your risk of yeast infection, including conditions such as diabetes. Keep reading to learn why this happens and what you can do to prevent it.

In this article, we use “male and female” to refer to someone’s sex as determined by their chromosomes, and “men and women” when referring to their gender (unless quoting from sources using nonspecific language).

Sex is determined by chromosomes, and gender is a social construct that can vary between time periods and cultures. Both of these aspects are acknowledged to exist on a spectrum both historically and by modern scientific consensus.

Research has shown a significant link between high blood sugar and vaginal yeast infections.

This is because yeast feeds off of sugar. If your diabetes isn’t well-controlled, your blood sugar levels can spike to very high levels.

This increase in sugar can cause yeast to overgrow, particularly in the vaginal area. Your body may develop a yeast infection in response.

Maintaining your blood sugar levels may help reduce your risk of infection. If you have diabetes, it’s important to undergo periodic screening for vaginal yeast infections.

Some types of candidiasis can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. A doctor can help you understand the best screening schedule for you.

Your vagina naturally contains a mix of yeast and bacteria. The yeast will remain in check as long as the balance between the two isn’t disrupted.

A number of things can interfere with this balance and cause your body to produce an excessive amount of yeast. This includes:

Anyone can develop a yeast infection, regardless of whether they’re sexually active. Yeast infections aren’t considered sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

You should connect with a doctor if you think you’re experiencing a yeast infection. They can help you treat it and rule out other causes of your symptoms.

Vaginal yeast infections can have similar symptoms as STIs, so it’s important that you’re sure of your diagnosis. If left untreated, STIs can have more serious and long-term consequences.

During your appointment, the doctor will ask you to describe your symptoms. They will also ask about any medications you may be taking or other conditions that you may have.

After assessing your medical profile, they will perform a pelvic exam. They first examine your external genital area for any signs of infection, then insert a speculum into your vagina. This holds your vaginal walls open and allows them to look at the inside of your vagina and cervix.

The doctor may also take a sample of your vaginal fluid to determine the type of fungus that’s causing the infection. Knowing the type of fungus behind the infection can help them prescribe the most effective treatment option for you.

Mild to moderate yeast infections can usually be cleared up with a topical treatment such as a cream, ointment, or suppository. The course of treatment can last up to seven days, depending on the medication.

  • butoconazole (Gynazole-1)
  • clotrimazole (Gyne-Lotrimin)
  • miconazole (Monistat 3)
  • terconazole (Terazol 3)

These medications are available over the counter and by prescription.

Recurring yeast infections

If your yeast infection comes back, a doctor will work with you to develop a maintenance plan to prevent yeast overgrowth. This may include a single-dose oral medication, such as fluconazole (Diflucan), to treat the infection and prevent it from reoccurring.

Fluconazole is typically taken once weekly for 6 months.

Treatment of yeast infections for women with diabetes

Research from 2021 found that women with diabetes who develop yeast infections are more likely to have a specific species of the fungus Candida glabrata. They also found that this fungus responds better to a long course of suppository medication.

If you’d prefer to give a suppository medication a try, consider speaking with a doctor. They can help you determine whether this is the best treatment option for you.

Other than keeping an eye on your blood sugar, your preventive methods are the same as they are for those without diabetes.

You may be able to reduce your risk for vaginal yeast infections by:

  • avoiding tight-fitting clothing, which can make the vaginal area moister
  • wearing cotton underwear, which can help keep the moisture level under control
  • changing out of swimsuits and exercise clothing as soon as you’re done using them
  • avoiding very hot baths or sitting in hot tubs
  • avoiding douches or vaginal sprays
  • changing your tampons or menstrual pads frequently
  • avoiding scented menstrual pads or tampons

If you suspect that you have a yeast infection, it’s important to speak with a doctor. They can help you isolate the cause of your symptoms and put you on a treatment path that’s best for you. With treatment, vaginal yeast infections typically clear up within 14 days.

A doctor can also assess your diabetes management plan and help correct any lapses in care. They may be able to recommend better practices for controlling your blood sugar levels.

Research shows a significant link between high blood sugar and vaginal yeast infections. This is because yeast feeds off of sugar. If your diabetes isn’t well-controlled, your blood sugar levels can spike to very high levels.

Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels can help reduce your risk of infection. If you have diabetes, it’s important to speak with a doctor about regular screenings for vaginal yeast infections.