Insulin Resistance & Yeast Infections

Insulin resistance can cause blood glucose levels to raise which can cause myriad health complications. A lack of functioning insulin in the body causes blood sugar levels to rise to unhealthy levels which can lead to infections, such as yeast infections.

Identification

• Insulin resistance normally occurs in Type 2 diabetics. Resistance is caused by many factors including a diet heavy in carbohydrates, lack of exercise and a sedentary lifestyle. The body stops using the insulin that is being produced by the pancreas and blood sugar levels rise.

Diagnosis

• Insulin resistance, along with diabetes, can be diagnosed by a physician, normally an endocrinologist, who will verify high blood glucose levels. Blood tests determine the patient's glucose averages, and this may explain reoccurring yeast infections.

Yeast Infection Cause

• Yeast infections occur when the levels of yeast, particularly a fungus called Candida, outweighs the amount of good bacteria, normally balancing in the colon or vagina. The imbalance can cause itching, a burning sensation, and general discomfort in the vulva and vagina.

Effects

• Insulin resistance causes the body to repel most, or all of the insulin being produced in the body, leading to many complications due to the high levels of glucose in the blood stream. Yeast infections often occur in this situation because the excess sugar in the body encourages yeast to grow and also stops bacteria growth.

Prevention/Solution

• Insulin resistance can be prevented in the same ways Type 2 diabetes can be prevented, with proper exercise and a diet low in carbohydrates. Yeast infections are cured with either an over-the-counter or prescription cream and a change in diet. Natural remedies often include acidophiles, which increases the amount of good bacteria in the body.