Infections in people with diabetes

ABSTRACT

People with diabetes mellitus have an increased risk of many common infections, such as urinary tract infections, lower respiratory tract infections and skin/soft tissue infections. This is caused by a combination of systemic and local host factors, and also specific organism characteristics. Individuals with diabetes mellitus also tend to acquire more complex infections, such as emphysematous cholecystitis and emphysematous pyelonephritis. Some conditions, such as malignant otitis externa and rhinocerebral mucormycosis, occur almost exclusively in people with diabetes. Despite greater susceptibility to infections and worse outcomes, there is little guidance regarding prevention and treatment measures for infections in those with diabetes. Comprehensive longitudinal studies are needed to further investigate the complex relationship between glycaemic control and infections. Copyright © 2022