A kidney infection, also known as pyelonephritis, is a serious type of urinary tract infection (UTI) that typically begins in the urethra or bladder and travels upwards to one or both kidneys. These infections are usually caused by bacteria, with Escherichia coli (E. coli) being a common culprit. Blood sugar, or glucose, is the body’s primary source of energy, circulating in the bloodstream and regulated by various physiological processes.
The Connection
Yes, a kidney infection can cause high blood sugar. Any significant infection or physical stress on the body can lead to elevated blood sugar levels. The body’s response to illness, including a kidney infection, involves a complex interplay of hormones and metabolic changes designed to help fight off the infection. This physiological stress response can disrupt the normal regulation of blood glucose, leading to a temporary increase.
How Kidney Infections Affect Blood Sugar
When the body fights an infection, it initiates a stress response that involves the release of specific hormones. Hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline are produced by the adrenal glands, which are located on top of the kidneys. Cortisol increases glucose production in the liver and can decrease insulin sensitivity, meaning cells become less responsive to insulin’s action of taking up glucose from the blood. Adrenaline also contributes by causing a rapid increase in blood sugar to provide immediate energy for the body’s defense mechanisms.
Inflammation, a natural part of the body’s immune response to infection, further impacts blood sugar regulation. Inflammatory molecules, such as cytokines, can interfere with insulin signaling pathways, leading to insulin resistance. This makes it harder for glucose to enter cells, causing it to accumulate in the bloodstream.
Dehydration, often accompanying infections due to fever, vomiting, or reduced fluid intake, can also concentrate blood glucose. When the body lacks sufficient fluids, the blood volume decreases, leading to a higher concentration of glucose. While kidneys are involved in filtering blood and reabsorbing glucose, the primary mechanism for increased blood sugar during a kidney infection is typically the body’s overall stress and inflammatory response, rather than direct impairment of the kidneys’ glucose handling function.
Recognizing Symptoms
Symptoms of a kidney infection include a high fever, chills, pain in the lower back or side, and pain or a burning sensation during urination. Other symptoms may involve frequent and urgent urination, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, nausea, and vomiting. Symptoms of a kidney infection often develop quickly, sometimes within a few hours.
Common signs of elevated blood sugar include increased thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue. Other indications might be headache, blurred vision, and unintentional weight loss. When these symptoms appear together with those of a kidney infection, it suggests a potential link between the infection and blood sugar levels.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Prompt medical evaluation is important if a kidney infection is suspected, especially if accompanied by symptoms of high blood sugar. Untreated kidney infections can lead to serious complications, including permanent kidney damage or the spread of bacteria into the bloodstream, which can cause a life-threatening condition called sepsis. A healthcare provider can accurately diagnose both conditions through tests like urine and blood analyses.
Medical advice is also necessary for managing blood sugar levels, particularly during an infection. Illness can make blood sugar harder to control, and a healthcare professional can adjust treatment plans. They can differentiate between various causes of high blood sugar and provide appropriate guidance to prevent further complications.