How Diabetes Increases Risk of Staph Infections
People with diabetes face a heightened vulnerability to all types of infections, including the common and sometimes deadly staph infection. Understanding what staph infections entail, why those with diabetes are especially susceptible, and how to minimize risks empowers proper prevention and rapid treatment.
What is a Staph Infection?
Staph infections result from invasion of bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus, casually termed staph. About 30% of people harbor staph bacteria on their skin or in their nose with no symptoms. But when it penetrates deeper into body tissues, serious infection can occur.
Common Sites for Staph Colonization
Staph bacteria often reside in hot, moist areas like:
- Nostrils
- Armpits
- Groin
- Folds of skin
Bacteria enter through openings like cuts or abrasions to cause infection. Spreading occurs through direct contact with an infected area or person, often on the hands.
Types of Infections
Staph brings infection risk almost anywhere in the body. Common infections include:
- Boils of hair follicles
- Infected surgical wounds
- Abscesses
- Pneumonia
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Bloodstream infection (sepsis)
Antibiotic Resistant Strains
Overuse of antibiotics enabled some staph strains to become resistant. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) withstands various antibiotics, necessitating special treatment.
Why Diabetes Increases Infection Risk
Multiple factors converge to make people with diabetes prime candidates for developing a staph infection.
High Blood Sugar Levels
Consistently elevated blood sugar compromises the bodys ability to heal itself and resist infection. Excess sugar impedes immune cells and proteins which combat foreign invaders.
Reduced Blood Flow
Over time, high blood sugar levels damage blood vessels and nerves, particularly in the extremities. Compromised circulation inhibits distribution of infection-fighting cells.
Numbness in Hands and Feet
Nerve injury in diabetics causes decreased sensation. Lack of feeling enables cuts, scrapes and wounds to go unnoticed, allowing infections to gain hold.
Foot Ulcers
Those with advanced diabetes often develop foot ulcers which struggle to heal. Bacteria easily invade these open wounds to trigger infection.
Preventing Staph Infections with Diabetes
Catching and treating infections early makes all the difference. Prevention tactics further reduce risks.
Control Blood Sugar
Keeping A1C levels close to normal enhances the bodys infection defenses. Follow provider treatment plans diligently.
Practice Consistent Hygiene
Wash hands thoroughly before touching wounds or mucous membranes. Keep cuts and injuries clean until healed.
Check Feet and Skin
Inspect feet, lower legs and skin folds daily. Detecting infections promptly is key. Report any redness, swelling, oozing or pain to your doctor.
Learn Staph Infection Signs
Knowing early infection symptoms facilitates speaking up quickly. Symptoms manifest based on infection locale but can include:
- Fever
- Swelling and redness
- Pus or drainage
- Skin rashes or sores
- Headaches
- Body aches
Seek medical evaluation for possible antibiotic treatment if staph infection symptoms present.
Special Considerations for Diabetics with Staph
Added precautionary measures support positive outcomes when managing staph infections alongside diabetes.
Collaborate Care between Providers
Facilitate communication between your primary doctor and specialists like infectious disease, endocrinology, dermatology, or podiatry.
Discuss Antibiotic Options
Talk about whether standard antibiotics or special anti-MRSA medications are most appropriate for treatment.
Tighten Blood Sugar Monitoring
Test blood sugar levels more frequently when battling infection. Work closely with your diabetes treatment team to optimize control.
Watch for Signs of Sepsis
See a provider promptly if very ill with infection. Diabetes impairment may allow rapid progression to sepsis requiring hospitalization.
Hope for Defeating Diabetic Staph Infections
While diabetes presents increased vulnerabilities to developing a staph infection, proactive measures reinforce the bodys defenses. Being informed and attentive makes all the difference in early detection and management of infection.
FAQs
Can high blood sugar alone cause a staph infection?
Not typically. More commonly, elevated blood glucose levels impair the body's natural defenses against existing bacteria, enabling an infection to take hold when bacteria invade via openings like wounds, IV lines, or catheters.
Where on the body do staph infections occur?
Staph bacteria live on the skin and nose, so skin infections are very common. But they can cause infection in surgical incisions, bloodstream, lungs, urine, or other body locales. Diabetics often face recurring skin, soft tissue, and foot infections.
What is the difference between a staph infection and MRSA?
Staph refers to staphylococcus bacteria strains in general. MRSA stands for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus - indicating the strain resists multiple antibiotics. Infections require special medications. All MRSA is staph but not all staph is MRSA.
Should I go to urgent care for a staph infection?
Yes, prompt medical care is vital, especially for diabetics susceptible to complications. Sudden or rapidly spreading skin infection, drainage, swelling, fever, or feeling ill warrants urgent evaluation to start antibiotics and avoid progression to serious infection.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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