What's the Connection Between Diabetes and Yeast Infections? (2025)

A vaginal yeast infection is caused by an overgrowth of yeast (a type of fungus) in the body. People with diabetes are more prone to getting these infections because their blood sugar levels are often elevated and yeast feeds on sugar.

Diabetes and yeast infections may be connected, but keeping blood sugar levels in check can help prevent them. If you suspect you have a vaginal yeast infection, see your healthcare provider.

Diabetes and Yeast Infections

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the body's ability toprocess glucose (sugar), leading to elevated blood sugar levels. People with type 2 diabetes may be more susceptible to getting vaginal yeast infections, an infection of the vagina caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida.

This is likely due to a combination of three factors:

• High blood sugar levels: When blood sugar levels are elevated, the body eliminates excess sugar through bodily fluids, including vaginal secretions. Yeast gets its energy from sugar, so this vaginal environment makes it easy for yeast to multiply and may result in a yeast infection.
• Compromised immune function: Elevated blood sugar also interferes with the body's immune system which helps fight off infections. This may make it more difficult for someone with diabetes to defend against and heal a vaginal yeast infection.
• Diabetes medications: A class of drugs known as sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors that help lower blood sugar indirectly create an environment that helps yeast grow. These medications work by encouraging the body to off-load excess sugar through urine. This means sugar is passing through the urinary tract more frequently, potentially feeding the growth of a vaginal yeast infection.
  

Symptoms

The signs of a vaginal yeast infection in a person with diabetes are the same as those in a person who doesn't have the condition. Symptoms include:

• Itchiness in and around the vagina
• Redness, burning, and swelling of the vulva and vagina
• Soreness around the vagina
• Clumpy or thick white vaginal discharge
• Pain or burning while urinating
• Pain during sexual intercourse

A severe yeast infection may make these symptoms worse.

Other Risk Factors

In addition to diabetes, several other factors can interfere with the balance of bacteria and yeast in the vagina, increasing a person's risk of developing a yeast infection.

Other factors that can increase a person's risk of a vaginal yeast infection include:

• Pregnancy
• Hormonal birth control
• Weakened immune system
• Recent use of antibiotic or steroid medications
• Douching or using vaginal sprays

Diagnosis

To diagnose a vaginal yeast infection, a healthcare provider will perform a pelvic exam. This includes examining the affected area and taking a swab of vaginal discharge to check for the presence of yeast. If needed, the sample may be sent to a laboratory for an accurate evaluation.

Treatment

There are a few options to treat a yeast infection based on symptoms and severity of the case. Different courses of treatment have slightly different timelines, but most medications are used for one to seven days.

These include:

• A prescription oral anti-fungal medication, such as Diflucan (fluconazole)
• Over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal cream or suppostitory, such as Lotrimin AF (clotrimazole), Monistat (miconazole), Vagistat-1 (tioconazole), or Femstat (butoconazole)

If you have diabetes and get frequent yeast infections, your healthcare provider may recommend a long-term (up to six months) treatment with an anti-fungal medication.

Prevention

For people with diabetes, keeping their blood sugar levels in check can help prevent yeast infections.

Other tips to help prevent a vaginal yeast infection include:

• Wearing breathable, cotton underwear that’s not too tight
• Keeping your vagina clean and dry
• Changing pads and tampons frequently
• Avoiding douching and using any vaginal products with perfumes or dyes
• Eating foods rich in probiotics, such as yogurt
  

Summary

A vaginal yeast infection is a common overgrowth of yeast in the vagina. Symptoms include itching, burning, and a thick, white vaginal discharge. Because yeast thrives on sugar, high blood sugar levels in uncontrolled diabetes can make yeast infections more likely.

Treatment may include a prescription oral antifungal medication or an OTC antifungal cream. Making sure blood sugar levels are under control can help people with diabetes prevent vaginal yeast infections.