Diabetes, UTI, and yeast infections

[Katyanne]

I'm a 20 year old diabetic, on insulin pump therapy.  I was diagnosed 11 years ago with diabetes.  I have good control over my blood sugar levels, with a rare high or low.  I have been to the doctor several times with urinary tract infections.  I was hospitalized a year ago with kidney stones, kidney infection, urinary tract infection, and an infected gallbladder that had to be extracted.  I cannot seem to get rid of the urinary tract infections as I have had treatment 7 times now within one year.  I drink the pure cranberry juice as I have heard it helps fight off and prevent UTI's.  Nothing seems to work.  I have also had problems with yeast infections, dating back 5 months now- which is hard to deal with as antibiotics are prescribed to help with the UTI, but flare my yeast infections.  I have had a second opinion on what is best for my overall health, but neither of the doctors I have seen are particullary concerned with what may be the underlaying problem.  I am very concerned because of the further health problems diabetics can develop.  Any advice or information is greatly appreciated.

[Forum-VOL-CB]

Hi Katyanne,
My sister also has chronic yeast infections, and UTIs, too, and I know how terribly frustrating that can be. I am not a doctor, just a volunteer with a diabetic teenager, so I can't give you any medical advice. I will say that it could very well be that the yeast infections/UTIs bear no relationship to the diabetes.

Have you tried Diflucan, the medicine that stops yeast infections right away? I also get a yeast infection within 24 hours of going on antibiotics (of any kind), but if I take one Diflucan pill as soon as I start the antibiotics, I don't have any problems. It's a prescription medication, so you'd have to get it from your doc.

I would also say keep trying to figure this out, and consult another specialist. Your doctors should not dismiss what is clearly a recurring and difficult medical problem.

Good luck