Diabetes Management
Balanitis is more common among diabetic men. Since people with diabetes have excessively high glucose levels, their urine is also rich in sugar. Bacteria and yeast need sugar to grow and multiply, so when the sugar-rich urine of diabetic people pooled in the foreskin and glans of the penis, penile infection and balanitis flares up. In addition, diabetic people usually experience swelling of the glans and tightening of the foreskin. These conditions also lead to balanitis.
So, to treat balanitis caused by diabetes, the patient should learn how to manage his sugar levels. This can be done through proper medication and lifestyle changes. For type 1 diabetes, doctors usually prescribe insulin pumps and injections, constantly checking the glucose levels and strictly monitoring the carbohydrate and sugar intake. Regular checkups are also advised to monitor the body organs and avoid further complications. In addition, diabetic patients must also follow a tailored diet. Fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains should be added to the diet to help manage a person’s blood glucose levels. On the other hand, foods like full-fat dairy and processed meat should be avoided. Aside from a healthy diet, a diabetic patient must also commit to regular exercise and a better sleeping pattern.
When a person’s sugar level goes back to normal, balanitis caused by diabetes will eventually disappear.
