12. You may have recurrent infections
The immune system is vital for the body’s defense against bacteria, viruses, cancer cells, and parasites the body encounters. If the immune system is deficient, it affects the body’s ability to fight off infections. A compromised immune system is a sign of several disorders.
There are primary immunodeficiency disorders that you can be born with such as X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) and common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). Secondary immunodeficiency disorders occur when the body is attacked by an outside factor like a chemical or infection. Causes of a secondary immunodeficiency disorder are chemotherapy, radiation, malnutrition, and diabetes (which relates to high blood sugar levels). Examples of secondary immunodeficiency disorders are AIDS, immune system cancers such as leukemia, viral hepatitis, and multiple myeloma (cancer of the plasma cells).
If you get conjunctivitis (pinkeye), colds, pneumonia, bronchitis, yeast infections, or sinus infections that don’t respond to treatment, something is wrong. Even if they respond to treatment but recur as soon as you stop taking medication, it is a sign your immune system is compromised. If you suspect that your immune system is not coping and may be deficient, see your doctor. Your doctor will take a full medical history, do a physical exam, test your white blood cell and T cell counts, and check your immunoglobin levels.
High blood sugar levels affect how your immune system works. The inflammation in the cells from too much glucose in the blood prevents oxygen and the necessary defense cells from reaching the infection. Since the soldiers can’t reach the battlefield, the enemy has time to take hold and spread its control. In wounds, this can lead to fungal infections such as gangrene taking hold, resulting in amputations.