Confused

[diabetici]

I've had diabetes for 8 years. I have reoccuring yeast infections. I have been given meds to help and they do for several weeks and then it returns. But now I have developed very painful sores on the outer portion of my vagina. I have been tested for STD's and they were all negative. The sores feel like there are small stones in them. Is this normal and what is it. My blood sugar is averaging about 250 so I know I some sort of infection.
Please HElp!

[JDRF-Team-cd]

Dear Confused,

As I am sure you know, diabetes can affect every part of the body, including the skin. As many as one third of people with diabetes will have a skin disorder caused or affected by diabetes at some time in their lives. Some of these problems are skin conditions anyone can have, but people with diabetes get more easily. These include bacterial infections, fungal infections, and itching.

Yeast-like fungus can create itchy rashes of moist, red areas surrounded by tiny blisters and scales. These infections often occur in warm, moist folds of the skin. Common fungal infections include jock itch, athlete's foot, ringworm (a ring-shaped itchy patch), and vaginal infection that causes itching.

I am not sure if what you describe falls into any of these categories.  Also, how long has your blood sugar been averaging 250? When your blood sugar is normal, do you have the same sores?

Perhaps someone else can comment who may be more familiar with this condition.  I hope you find relief soon.
CD

[JDRF-Team-LRS]

I'm sure you're very uncomfortable.

One of the best ways to get rid of yeast infections, long term, is to regain rigorous control over your blood sugar.  Yeast just loves a sweet moist environment, which is what female diabetics with high blood sugars provide routinely.  

Some antibiotics can raise our BG which is an additional challenge while being treated.

Keep the area very clean and talk with your doc to review your insulin routine and your resulting blood sugars.  I got the sense that 250 is not common for you, but if your a1c is not normally below 6.5, then you likely have sustained periods of too-high blood sugars.

There are some topical creams that can ease the agony of a yeast infection, but likely you'll need an appt with a gyn doc to evaluate the new symptoms you've described.

[MLWTR]

You might want to consider asking a dermatologist or a gynecologist to do a biopsy of one of the sores. Although you have been tested for sexually transmitted diseases, there are other conditions unrelated to sexual activity (and even unrelated to diabetes) that could cause them. A biopsy might help with the diagnosis.

Good luck.