Vaginal symptoms and insulin dependent diabetes mellitus

To assess the incidence of vaginal symptoms in younger women with insulin dependent diabetes, and also to assess the relationship between symptoms and other clinical risk factors for candidiasis.

A population-based questionnaire was administered to women aged 18-40 years with insulin dependent diabetes. Subjects were asked about symptoms of "vaginal thrush" as a surrogate question for symptoms suggestive of vaginal infection. Glycaemic control was assessed by measurement of glycated haemoglobin. (Non-diabetic reference range of 30-50 mmol/mol haem).

One hundred and twenty-four out of 144 eligible women completed the questionnaire, a participation rate of 86%. Of the women interviewed, 60% had experienced one or more episodes attributed to "vaginal thrush", in the previous year. All seven subjects with a glycated haemoglobin of 100 mmol/mol haem or greater, experienced vaginal symptoms in the previous year. The relationship between frequency of vaginal symptoms and glycated haemoglobin was however weak.

Vaginal symptoms are common in younger women with insulin dependent diabetes and are not confined to subjects with poor diabetes control. We recommend that health professionals caring for these women enquire about symptoms of vaginitis so that appropriate diagnosis and treatment can be initiated.