Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

In which condition is there a higher risk of developing balanitis?

1. Renal insufficiency

2. Diabetes mellitus

3. Graves' disease

4. Asthma

The correct answer is: Diabetes mellitus

Balanitis, which is the inflammation of the glans penis, is notably more prevalent in individuals with diabetes mellitus. The reasons for this increased risk include the fact that diabetes can lead to higher levels of glucose in bodily fluids, including urine. When glucose is present in urine, it can create an environment that promotes the growth of yeast, such as Candida, contributing to the development of balanitis. Additionally, individuals with diabetes often experience compromised immune responses, making it more challenging for their bodies to fight off infections and inflammation. This lowered immunity, coupled with the glucose-rich environment that encourages microbial growth, significantly increases the likelihood of developing balanitis. While conditions like renal insufficiency can potentially affect overall health and might be associated with various complications, they do not have a direct correlation with balanitis development as diabetes does. Graves' disease and asthma are also not directly linked to increased incidences of balanitis.