National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

A common risk factor for developing a urinary tract infection (UTI) is a history of diabetes. Individuals with diabetes have a higher risk of UTIs due to several reasons. High blood sugar levels can lead to excess glucose in the urine, which creates a favorable environment for bacteria to thrive. Moreover, diabetes can impair the immune system, making it more challenging for the body to fight off infections.

In contrast, being male generally presents a lower risk for UTIs compared to females, as females have a shorter urethra which is more susceptible to bacterial invasion. Age over 60 can increase the risk of UTIs, particularly in women post-menopause due to changes in hormone levels affecting urinary tract health, but this is not as direct a relationship as seen with diabetes. Frequent antibiotic use may actually create a risk of antibiotic resistance rather than being a primary risk factor for UTIs, as antibiotics can disrupt the natural flora and may lead to superinfections but are not a direct cause of UTIs.