Can diabetes medication cause bladder infections? It's a great question, and the short answer is: some diabetes medications can increase the risk of certain infections, including those affecting the urinary tract.
A class of diabetes medications called SGLT2 inhibitors works by flushing excess sugar out through urine Show Full Answer
Can diabetes medication cause bladder infections? It's a great question, and the short answer is: some diabetes medications can increase the risk of certain infections, including those affecting the urinary tract.
A class of diabetes medications called SGLT2 inhibitors works by flushing excess sugar out through urine. While this helps control blood sugar, the extra glucose in urine can disrupt the natural balance of the urinary and genital areas, making infections more likely.
Common SGLT2 inhibitors linked to this include:
- Dapagliflozin (Farxiga)
- Canagliflozin (Invokana)
- Empagliflozin (Jardiance) Beyond medication, diabetes itself can raise infection risk because:
- High blood sugar creates an environment where bacteria and yeast thrive
- A weakened immune system makes it harder to fight off infections
- Excess glucose in urine disrupts the natural balance of the urinary tract
If bladder or urinary infections keep recurring, it may be a sign that blood sugar levels need better management. It's always worth talking to a doctor, who can recommend the right treatment and possibly adjust medications if needed.
June 25
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