Diabetics are most susceptible to these 4 infections

The immune system or immune system is an important factor in preventing infection, because almost every time the body is almost a disease germ. But not everyone has an immune system that can protect the body from infection, one of which is diabetes.

Why does diabetes make sufferers more susceptible to infection?

Uncontrolled increase in blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) in diabetics, causing the immune system response to slow down when exposed to germs. Hyperglycemia conditions also tend to be beneficial for germs, because high glucose levels increase the ability of germs to grow and spread more quickly.

Hyperglycemia also increases the chance of infection by blocking blood flow to every corner of the body surface. With open wounds, infection is easier to occur because the distribution of nutrients needed to heal and fight germs is blocked. The surface of the skin that lacks nutrients will become easier to dry and the surface of the tissue is easy for germs to pass into the body.

The type of infection that diabetics are prone to

Infection in diabetics has a distinctive pattern, because it is almost only found in diabetics. Basically, infection occurs more easily on the skin and nasal cavity and ears on the head but also may occur in the urinary tract and even in the kidneys. These types of infections include:

1. Otitis externa

Is a type of infection that kills healthy cells. This infection often occurs in the outer ear canal and can attack the inner ear, especially the cartilage and hard bone around the ear.

External otitis infection is caused by bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa which attacks adults over 35 years of age. This type of infection is also often characterized by pain in the ear and accompanied by the appearance of fluid that comes out of the ear cavity.

2. Rhinocerebral mucormycosis

This rare type of infection is caused by several microorganisms that can be found on the surface of the nose and around the sinuses. It can spread to the surrounding tissue, especially blood vessels, by damaging the tissue and killing cells and causing erosion of the facial bones.

The complication of this infection is the spread of germs around the brain and causes a brain abscess. This disease occurs when the patient's blood sugar levels are out of control, especially if accompanied by ketoacidosis conditions. The main symptoms that are caused are pain around the nose, swelling and the appearance of blackish blood from the nose area.

3. Urinary tract infection

This can include the appearance of bacteria in the urine (bacteriuria), pus in the urine (pyuria), inflammation of the bladder (cystitis) and upper urinary tract infections. The cause is bacteria that infect the urinary tract, especially around the bladder, and can cause kidney infection (pyelonephritis).

Kidney infection is a fatal condition because it can lead to kidney failure. In addition, it can also increase insulin resistance and lead to difficulty regulating body water levels.

4. Skin and soft tissue infections

Basically, this infectious condition rarely occurs unless it is caused by death of nerve cells and disruption of blood flow under the surface of the skin. Skin infections can occur anywhere on the body, but they are more common in the legs.

Diabetic foot conditions (diabetic foot) is a chronic form of this infection that begins with the appearance of resilience or fluid-filled sores in people with diabetes (Bullosis diabeticorum). Basically, these resilient sores heal on their own, but it is very possible that a secondary infection will develop which makes it worse.

How to prevent infection in diabetics?

Preventing infection is the best step to maintain the health and immunity of diabetics which can be done by maintaining personal hygiene and the environment in which they live. Avoid open wounds on any part of the body, especially on the legs.

The appearance of resilience on the surface of the feet can be done by using proper footwear and not too tight. Meanwhile, preventing urinary tract infections can be done by maintaining the cleanliness of the genital organs and doing regular bowel movements.

Diabetics must also be able to monitor the appearance of symptoms of infection from an early age in order to immediately stop the development of chronic infection. If symptoms of infection appear, such as abnormal pain, heat or redness rash, fever, inflammation of the ear, nose and throat cavities, digestive tract disorders, pus or an unpleasant odor from the body, seek early examination and treatment.