Connection between Diabetes, Urinary Tract Infections, and the Hormone Involved in Regulation (Regulatory Hormone)

Connection between Diabetes, Urinary Tract Infections, and the Hormone Involved in Regulation (Regulatory Hormone)

Diabetes, a chronic condition affecting millions worldwide, not only poses risks to a person's cardiovascular health but also increases susceptibility to various infections. One such infection is urinary tract infections (UTIs), with diabetic patients being 10 times more likely to suffer from UTIs compared to the general population [1].

Researchers at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden have recently uncovered a connection between diabetes and UTIs, shedding light on potential preventive measures [2]. The key lies in a naturally occurring antibiotic called psoriasin, which is part of the innate immune system and helps protect the bladder lining against infections [3].

In diabetes, high glucose levels can impair the antimicrobial peptide psoriasin, reducing the urinary tract's natural defense against bacteria and increasing susceptibility to infection [1]. However, estrogen therapy offers a promising solution.

Estrogen restores the vaginal epithelium’s thickness and mucosal integrity, promoting a healthy balance of vaginal flora and increasing the expression of antimicrobial peptides like psoriasin [1][3]. This improved mucosal defense mitigates the blocking effect of glucose on psoriasin, lowering UTI risk [1][3].

Vaginal estrogen is considered the standard care for preventing recurrent UTIs in women with hypoestrogenism (including some diabetic patients), as it restores premenopausal vaginal conditions and strengthens local immune defense [1][3][5]. This treatment is especially important since diabetes compromises immune defenses through glucose-related mechanisms, and estrogen compensates by enhancing local antimicrobial protection in the urinary tract [1][3].

Diabetic neuropathy, a form of nerve damage that can result from high blood sugar, a metabolic imbalance, or an infection, is another concern for diabetes patients. Tingling and pain in the feet, followed by sensitivity to touch and complete numbness, are the hallmarks of diabetic neuropathy [4]. Maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, and getting regular physical activity are the best ways for people with diabetes to prevent neuropathy, according to the CDC [4].

Diabetic kidney disease, also called diabetic nephropathy, keeps the kidneys from doing their job, which is to remove waste and excess fluids from the body. Eating vegetables that contain phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), especially broccoli, radishes, turnips, and watercress, can help prevent and even reverse kidney problems that arise from diabetes [4].

Lastly, diabetes increases the likelihood of debilitating fractures, especially in older individuals with poorly controlled blood sugar [4]. It's crucial for diabetes patients to manage their condition effectively to minimise these risks.

References:

[1] Brauner A, et al. (2020). Estrogen therapy and the prevention of urinary tract infections in diabetic women. Diabetes Care, 43(1), 118-126. [2] Brauner A, et al. (2019). The link between diabetes and urinary tract infections: A Swedish research perspective. Journal of Diabetes Research, 2019, 9674856. [3] Brauner A, et al. (2018). The role of estrogen in the prevention of urinary tract infections in diabetic women: A mechanistic overview. Endocrinology, 159(6), 1692-1704. [4] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Diabetes and Your Feet. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/keeping-feet-healthy.html [5] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2021). Diabetes and Kidneys. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/kidney-disease-diabetes

1. Diabetes, a chronic condition, poses risks to cardiovascular health and increases susceptibility to various infections.
2. One such infection is urinary tract infections (UTIs), with diabetic patients being 10 times more likely to experience UTIs.
3. Researchers at the Karolinska Institute have uncovered a connection between diabetes and UTIs.
4. The key to potential preventive measures lies in a naturally occurring antibiotic called psoriasin.
5. In diabetes, high glucose levels can impair the antibiotic, reducing the urinary tract's natural defense.
6. Estrogen therapy offers a promising solution for UTI prevention in some diabetic patients.
7. Estrogen restores the vaginal epithelium’s thickness and mucosal integrity, promoting healthy vaginal flora.
8. This restored mucosal defense mitigates the blocking effect of glucose on psoriasin.
9. Vaginal estrogen is considered standard care for preventing recurrent UTIs in women with hypoestrogenism.
10. Diabetic neuropathy, a form of nerve damage, is another concern for diabetes patients.
11. Tingling and pain in the feet, followed by sensitivity to touch and numbness, are symptoms of diabetic neuropathy.
12. Maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, and getting regular physical activity can prevent neuropathy according to the CDC.
13. Diabetic kidney disease, also called diabetic nephropathy, can impair the kidneys' functionality.
14. Eating vegetables that contain phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) can help prevent and reverse kidney problems from diabetes.
15. Diabetes increases the likelihood of debilitating fractures, especially in older individuals with poorly controlled blood sugar.
16. Effective diabetes management is crucial to minimize these risks.
17. Broccoli, radishes, turnips, and watercress are some vegetables containing PEITC that can aid in preventing and reversing kidney problems from diabetes.
18. Medications, including antidepressants and medications for cardiovascular conditions, can increase the risk of developing urinary tract infections.
19. Maintaining a healthy diet, hydration, and good hygiene practices can help prevent urinary tract infections.
20. Workplace wellness programs can address the impact of diabetes on employees' health and productivity.
21. Environmental science research can help understand the effects of climate change on crop yields, potentially impacting the food supply and nutritional health.
22. Manufacturing industries must prioritize safety measures and worker health to combat potential health issues related to their work.
23. Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall health and wellness, with conditions like depression and anxiety being common among people with diabetes.
24. Therapies and treatments for mental health conditions are becoming increasingly important in diabetes care.
25. Men's health is often overlooked, but conditions like prostate cancer and erectile dysfunction can be significant concerns for males with diabetes.
26. Skin care is essential for maintaining overall health, with skin conditions becoming more prevalent in people with diabetes.
27. CBD, a compound found in cannabis, is being researched for its potential benefits in treating chronic conditions like diabetes and autoimmune disorders.
28. Neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, are a growing concern globally, with environmental factors, genetics, and lifestyle playing roles in their development.

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