Diabetes and Kidney Infection

Diabetes and other conditions that impair your immune system are risk factors for kidney infections. Diabetes can also cause nerve damage, and if the nerves around the bladder are damaged, you may be unaware of the sensations of a kidney infection.

Facts

• A kidney infection, also called "pyelonephritis," is an infection that usually begins in your bladder or urethra and travels to your kidneys. It can be acute (sudden) or chronic (long term).

Symptoms

• Symptoms of a kidney infection include back pain, fever, chills and abdominal pain. You may experience a persistent urge to urinate, may feel a burning sensation when urinating, or may see pus or blood in your urine.

Diagnosis

• Your doctor may find tenderness when he palpates the area of the kidneys. Blood culture results may show an infection, and a urinalysis may show red or white blood cells in the urine. Bacteria may also be found in the urine.

Treatment

• Kidney infections are treated with antibiotics. If you have a severe kidney infection, you may be admitted to the hospital. If you have frequent kidney infections, you should see a specialist.

Prevention/Solution

• Individuals with diabetes need to work to keep blood glucose under control. Drink plenty of water and cut back on foods that are high in protein or salt, because these foods may cause kidney damage.

Warning

• If you have a kidney infection, you need prompt medical attention. An untreated kidney infection can permanently damage your kidneys, which is especially dangerous for individuals with diabetes.