[Urinary tract infections and diabetes mellitus]

The prevalence of urinary tract infection (UTI) is high in patients with diabetes mellitus. They run a distinctly greater risk of complications than non-diabetics. Systematic antibiotic treatment is mandatory. Screening of UTI must be carried out in diabetics at least annually, and be considered when the metabolic control of diabetes becomes increasingly difficult without another clear explanation. Complicated forms are common. They comprise severe pyelonephritis and renal abscesses, emphysematous pyellitis and pyelonephritis, renal papillary necrosis and sepsis. Nosocomial UTI is frequent in such patients. Meticulous preventive measures are the best means of reducing the prevalence of UTI in diabetics.