Diabetes Sets Stage for Heightened Risk of Infections

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http://www.mercola.com/2005/jul/14/diabetes_infection.htm

 

Diabetes Sets Stage for Heightened Risk of Infections

 

Diabetes has been found to ignite a host of ailments such as kidney

problems, nerve damage, blindness and serious cardiovascular

complications. But it doesn't end there, for people with type 1 and

type 2 diabetes are also far more prone to skin, respiratory and

urinary tract infections than people without diabetes, a study found.

 

Researchers observed the link between diabetes and infections by

comparing some 7,500 diabetics with nearly 19,000 control patients.

 

Compared to patients in the control group:

 

*

 

The odds of developing infections of the respiratory tract, skin

and mucous membranes and urinary tract were significantly higher for

both type 1 and type 2 diabetics; type 1 diabetics were twice as

likely to develop a urinary tract infection.

*

 

Diabetics' risk for recurring infection was also higher.

 

In light of the findings, researchers explain diabetic patients should

be aware they are at an increased risk of common infections and should

take preventative measures such as drinking plenty of fluids and

leading a generally healthy lifestyle.

 

Additionally, they might pay attention to indicators of infection at

an early stage and contact their physician for advice.

 

Clinical Infectious Diseases June 16, 2005

 

Science Blog June 24, 2005

 

Dr. Mercola's Comment:

 

The vast majority of the public believes that some big, bad germ or

virus is what makes them sick. While modern science has skillfully

shown us that these organisms do indeed trigger the infection, the

truth is that they in no way, shape or form actually cause the infection.

 

The cause is our weakened and compromised immune systems, which are

nearly always under our control via our lifestyle. Typically, eating

grains and sugar, not getting adequate sleep and living with stress

are the major culprits for impairing your immune system.

 

On his deathbed, Louis Pasteur, the father of the germ theory, was

said to have uttered these final words, in effect recanting the theory

behind his life's work:

 

" It's not the invading organism that's important. It's the terrain. "

 

The above study provides a perfect illustration of Pasteur's final

piece of advice. Organisms like bacteria, viruses and fungi can be

looked at as the oxygen that allows a smoldering fire (the infection)

to burn.

 

While they are a necessary part of the equation, the fire will have a

much more difficult time getting going if the wood being used (your

body or " the terrain " ) is still fresh, green and full of life.

However, if the wood is bone-dry and lifeless, the fire will consume

it in a matter of seconds.

 

On the same token, part of the reason why poorly managed diabetics

develop infections more readily than others is because the high levels

of sugar in their blood creates an environment that can promote the

growth of organisms like fungi, bacteria and viruses. In essence, they

lose the ability to resist infection just as a dry piece of wood has

lost its ability to withstand being burned.

 

So, while practicing good hygiene is always important in avoiding

infections, I believe it's of equal, if not greater, importance to

make sure you maintain normal blood sugar levels. Doing so requires

two important steps:

 

1.

 

Getting started on a regular exercise plan that includes

resistance training to build muscle.

2.

 

Consuming a healthy diet that is appropriate for your unique

metabolic type, and that will help normalize the levels of insulin and

leptin in your blood.

 

Related Articles:

 

Early and Tight Control of Blood Sugar Levels Can Save Your Life

 

How Diabetes Can Impact Your Health, and What You Can do About It

 

More Evidence That Stress is Major Factor for Infections