Ashima Sharda Mahindra • 28 Mar 2025
Health Quiz: Which Debilitating Disease Causes Genital Itching and Yeast Infection?
Possible causes of genital itching include neuropathy, which affects the nerves
Q: Which disease causes genital itching?
Those who have diabetes are more prone to itchy skin, especially in their genital area. According to experts, possible causes include neuropathy, which affects the nerves. Diabetes also increases the risk of certain skin conditions and infections.
Q: What are common yeast infections?
While vaginal yeast infections are extremely common, candidiasis, an overgrowth of the Candida fungus, can affect the male genitals and other parts of your body as well. According to studies, those with diabetes are at a higher risk of these types of yeast infections too.
Thrush
A yeast infection in the mouth and throat may cause white patches, redness, and soreness.
Candidiasis in the esophagus
A yeast infection in the esophagus - the tube that connects the throat and stomach—may make it painful and difficult to swallow.
Invasive candidiasis
A yeast infection of the bloodstream and/or internal organs that causes a fever and chills.
Why does diabetes cause yeast infections?
According to experts, diabetes is a chronic condition that affects your body’s ability to process glucose and leads to elevated blood sugar levels. Those with type 2 diabetes are more susceptible to getting vaginal yeast infections, caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida. This is likely due to a combination of three factors:
High blood sugar levels
When the blood sugar levels get elevated, your body eliminates excess sugar through bodily fluids, including vaginal secretions. Yeast gets its energy from sugar, leading to it multiplying and resulting in an infection.
Compromised immune function
High blood sugar also interferes with your body's immune system, which fights off infections. It makes it more difficult for someone with diabetes to defend against and heal a vaginal yeast infection.
Diabetes medications
Medicines for diabetes - inhibitors that lower blood sugar levels indirectly create an environment that helps yeast grow. These medications work by encouraging the body to offload excess sugar through urine.
Signs and symptoms of vaginal yeast infection
The signs of a vaginal yeast infection in those with diabetes are the same as those who do not have the condition. A few of these symptoms include:
- Itchiness in and around the vagina
- Redness, burning, and swelling of the vulva and vagina
- Soreness around the vagina
- Clumpy or thick white vaginal discharge
- Pain or burning while urinating
- Pain during sexual intercourse
Ways to prevent vaginal yeast infection
For those with diabetes, it is important to keep your blood sugar levels in check. Also, a few tips to help prevent the infection include:
- Wearing breathable, cotton underwear that is not too tight
- Keeping your vagina clean and dry
- Changing pads and tampons frequently
- Avoiding douching and using any vaginal products with perfumes or dyes
- Eating foods that are loaded with probiotics, like yogurt
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