The diabetes and Thrush

Thrush

Thrush is the most common form of yeast infection

Thrush is a yeast infection (candida albicans) which tends to affect warm, moist areas of the body such as the vagina, penis, mouth and certain areas of skin.
Thrush is more common in people with diabetes as high sugar levels lead to better conditions for the yeast to grow.
A dry mouth coupled with a higher amount of glucose in the saliva can also make for favourable conditions for thrush.

What causes thrush?

High blood sugar levels is one of the main causes of thrush and so is an weakened immune system, which is also common in people with diabetes.
Damaged or irritated skin also promotes the growth of thrush.
Smoking increases the chance of oral thrush and certain oral contraceptives may cause vaginal thrush.

Symptoms of thrush

Vaginal thrush (vulvovaginal candidiasis) symptoms include:

• Soreness and irritation
• White curd appearance on the skin
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• White vaginal discharge
• Reddening of the vulva the outer parts of the vagina)
• Itching around the vagina (infectious vaginitis)

Oral thrush (oral candidiasis) symptoms include:

• A nasty or bitter taste
• Redness or bleeding inside the mouth
• Creamy white coloured patches (lesions) in the mouth (cheeks, lips, tongue or the back of the mouth)
• Painful and sore mouth (can include the throat)
• Cracks