Exploring the Connection Between Diabetes and Increased Risk of Staph Infections
Can diabetes increase the risk of staph infections? Many studies have found that the type of diabetes you have increases your risk of staph infection accordingly, especially Staphylococcus aureus, which causes severe infections. Learn what is the connection between diabetes and increased risk of Staph in this article. At Doral Health & Wellness, we have all the answers you need.
The connection between diabetes and increased risk of Staph
Staph is a type of bacteria that is found on our skin. It is mostly friendly, but if it enters an open wound or sore, it can dive deeper into the body and cause deadly infections in the blood, joints, and multiple organs. Now, if you have diabetes, you’re more at risk. Staph infections have many types, but Staphylococcus aureus is the most dangerous and common one. These bacteria can thrive in a low-oxygen environment of infection by fighting the body’s phagocytes (that combat infection) for glucose and overcoming them. When phagocytes are lost, they become powerful with the stolen glucose.
Diabetes increases the risk of infection, particularly skin and soft tissue infections, mostly foot ulcers. The ulcers are open wounds which make them not only prone to Staph infections but also increase infections in hyperglycemic people (high blood sugar), which makes S. Aureus a very powerful bacteria for this infection. Most diabetic infections include many different bacterial strains, but S.aureus is the most common bacterial strain that causes such infections. Additionally, as these bacteria contain glucose it may cause dangerous infections such as endocarditis, osteomyelitis, and sepsis in diabetic patients.
Not only diabetic patients, but patients with pre-diabetes or even obesity that may lead to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes; are at risk of S. aureus infections (according to researchers at the University of Iowa). A separate Swedish study also found a link between the superantigens from Staph, powered by glucose, causing insulin resistance, and making it difficult to manage blood sugar levels in diabetic people. More research is needed to understand the danger of S.Aureus because of diabetic infections, or diabetes itself, especially in terms of pre-diabetics or obese.
This shows how diabetes can increase the risk of Staph infection.
Risk factors for systemic spread
Certain risk factors can increase the risk of Staph infections, like:
- Having any form of diabetes can increase your risk of staph blood infection 3 times more than a non-diabetes.
- Poor diabetes management.
- If you have diabetes-related complications such as heart or blood circulation problems, diabetic ulcers, or kidney complications, the risk of infection is increased by 4 times.
- Your type of diabetes determines your risk rate. Type 1 diabetes increases the risk by 7 times and type 2 diabetes increases the risk by 3 times.
Types of staph skin infections with diabetes
Many types of staph skin infections are caused or are related to diabetes:
- Acanthosis nigricans: This skin condition causes dark velvet-looking patches on the skin where it creases like the neck, armpits, or groin. Sometimes these patches appear on your hands, elbows, or knees. It is a sign of insulin resistance or a sign of prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. It’s commonly found in overweight or obese people. Its treatment focuses on treating the underlying cause whether it’s insulin resistance or obesity.
- Diabetic dermopathy: This condition causes red or brown round-shaped scaly patches mostly on the shins. It is also popular as shin spots, which are generally harmless and don’t need treatment. They don’t hurt, itch, or open up. It is caused when diabetes makes changes in small blood vessels and reduces the blood supply to the skin.
- Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum (NLD): This condition is also caused by blood vessel changes. It causes spots like diabetic dermopathy, but they are fewer, larger, and deeper. NLD often starts as small, raised bumps like pimples which turn into patches of swollen, thick skin. It can be itchy and painful and sometimes can crack open. It is a rare condition, mostly occurring in adult women rather than men. The cause isn’t clear, you don’t need treatment unless the sores break.
- Diabetic blisters (bullosis diabeticorum): It is a rare condition in diabetic people that causes burn blisters, especially in the back of the hands and feet on the legs and forearms. They are painless and usually heal on their own. The exact cause is unknown. But you’re more likely to get them if your blood sugar levels are high over time. Most blisters heal on their own without causing a scar. You just need to monitor your skin daily to find the early signs and prevent them from developing or getting worse by managing your blood sugar levels in the targeted range.
- Eruptive xanthomatosis: This condition occurs when diabetes goes out of control. It causes small, reddish-yellow pea-like bumps on the back of your hands, feet, arms, legs, and buttocks. They are tender and itchy. It’s a rare condition often found in people with type 1 diabetes. It is also caused when you have elevated levels of cholesterol and fat in the blood. It gets better when you manage your diabetes and cholesterol levels.
Besides these common ones, digital sclerosis, bacterial or fungal infections, and dry skin are the skin conditions of staph infection caused by diabetes.
Prevention
To prevent skin problems, manage your blood sugar levels in the targeted range. Proper skin care also lowers the risk of getting a rash, infection, or wound that is difficult to heal. Here are some common ways to prevent skin problems:
- Check your skin daily for signs of rashes, redness, infections, or sores.
- Use warm water with moisturizing soap when taking a bath. Use a shower instead of a bathtub because it dries out skin.
- Make sure you dry yourself with a towel, especially between fingers, toes, and skin folds.
- Apply fragrance-free moisturizers after showering to make skin damp and soft. Look for creams and ointments (no lotion) with ceramide to retain your skin moisture.
- Apply creams containing 10 to 25% urea to cracked, dry heels at bedtime.
- Prevent dehydration to keep your skin hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
- Treat your cuts and wounds immediately. Only use antibiotic ointments prescribed by a doctor. Bandage and clean the wound daily. If you notice signs of redness, pain, drainage, or infection, see your doctor.
- Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air to your room.
Diabetes can increase the risk of Staph infections by increasing the risk of other skin infections that cause cracks and sores which allow the staph infections to enter the body and cause severe infections. However, with proper diabetes management along with skin care, you can lower the risk of getting infected with staph or other infections and live a better life.
If you need help with diabetes, visit our diabetologist specialist in Brooklyn clinic to get professional medical help. Call us to book your appointment now!!!
Visit our endocrinology clinic in Brooklyn to get the finest specialists who evaluate your condition and give you the best treatment. Call us to book your appointment now and give the attention that your body needs to get better. Call us on +13473845690 and get answers for all your queries. Log on to www.doralhw.org or visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212 to book an appointment with our endocrinologist to get the best treatment. We have the best endocrinologists who treat these kinds of diseases and helpful staff to aid you during your treatment.