Male Diabetic Yeast Infections

Men with diabetes can get a number of yeast infections. Most men with diabetes have high levels of sugar in their urine, saliva and general system. Yeast tends to feed off this sugar and exacerbate systemic yeast. This can set off an entire host of other yeast infections in different areas of the body, both internal and external.

Candidiasis

• Candidiasis is an internal yeast infection that affects the three sections of the large intestines (ascending, transverse and descending). Because of the high levels of sugar in their urine and system, men with diabetes are prone to getting candidiasis. Candida albicans lives naturally in the colon, digestive tract and on the skin, along with other fungi and bacteria. Sugar tends to feed this yeast, which can sometimes cause an overproduction of it in the colon.

  When candida dies, it emits toxins. Parasites can also be present where yeast exists. And yeast, parasites and toxins can be harbored around fecal impactions, which are also common with candidasis. If left untreated, these parasites, toxins and foreign substances can enter the bloodstream and invade cells and tissues. This can spur other yeast infections and rashes on the skin.

Mouth Thrush

• The high levels of glucose in a diabetic man's saliva can cause mouth or oral thrush. Oral thrush is a yeast infection that appears as either creamy or white lesions on the tongue. These legions can bleed if they are rubbed. The lesions can spread to the roof of the mouth and gums, and even reach the throat and tonsils.

  Like candidiasis, thrush can spread to the bloodstream and invade other organs and cells, even the brain. Nystatin lozenges and pills can be used to control or heal mouth thrush. Male diabetes patients may also consider juicing with fruits and vegetables or cleansing their colon. This will minimize the levels of yeast in their system.

Penile Yeast Infections

• Men with diabetes can also get penile yeast infections. These can occur on the penis or scrotum. This condition can cause both itching and burning. There is often a starchy odor that accompanies the other symptoms. People with this condition often have reddish bumps or blisters on the shaft or head of their penis; and sometimes on the scrotum. They can also get a clumpy white discharge. Again, diabetic men tend to have high levels of sugar in their urine, which can foster this type of infection. Candidiasis in the colon can also set it off. Men with diabetes must see a doctor if suspect a penile yeast infection. Nystatin creams can sometimes bring relief. However, this yeast infection can often recur.

Intertrigo

• Diabetic men can sometimes get intertrigo, a skin rash that occurs in warm, moist areas of the body (i.e. underarm area, groin, or under the folds of the skin in overweight patients). The skin contains bacteria to block this yeast, but the excess sugar in a diabetic man's body can allow this condition to fester. Intertrigo causes a glistening red rash with scaling at the edges. It is often treated with miconazole or clotrimazole creams. One must be sure to keep all vulnerable areas dry.

Athlete's Foot

• Men with diabetes are also prone to getting athlete's foot. The internal yeast and high sugar levels often spur this condition. Athlete's foot (tenia pedis) causes flaky, scaling and itching between the toes, on top of them as well as on the bottom of the feet. One might also get blisters and cracked skin. Without treatment, which is usually antibiotics, creams or sprays, athlete's foot can spread to other areas of the body.