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Increased risk of common infections in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus

L M A J Muller1, K J Gorter, E Hak

  • 1Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands. l.m.a.muller@umcutrecht.nl

Clinical Infectious Diseases : an Official Publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America
|July 12, 2005
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus face increased risks for lower respiratory, urinary tract, and skin infections. These risks are higher with recurring infections, highlighting a need for focused management strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Disease Epidemiology
  • Endocrinology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Limited and often biased clinical data exist on the association between diabetes mellitus and common infections.
  • Existing research lacks conclusive evidence regarding the increased susceptibility of diabetic patients to infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the relative risks of common infections in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2).
  • To provide a clearer understanding of infection risks in diabetic populations.

Main Methods:

  • A 12-month prospective cohort study involving 705 DM1 patients, 6712 DM2 patients, and 18,911 control patients (hypertension without diabetes).
  • Medically attended episodes of respiratory tract, urinary tract, and skin/mucous membrane infections were tracked.
  • Multivariable and polytomous logistic regression analyses were used to assess independent risks and recurrences.

Main Results:

  • Patients with DM1 and DM2 showed increased risks for lower respiratory tract infections (AORs ranging from 1.32 to 1.42).
  • Higher risks were observed for urinary tract infections (AORs from 1.24 to 1.96) and skin/mucous membrane infections (bacterial AORs 1.33-1.59, mycotic AORs 1.34-1.44).
  • Upper respiratory infections did not show a significantly increased risk compared to controls.

Conclusions:

  • Patients with DM1 and DM2 are at a significantly increased risk for lower respiratory tract, urinary tract, and skin/mucous membrane infections.
  • The risk of these infections escalates with recurrence in diabetic patients.
  • Further research into the management of these infections in diabetic individuals is warranted.

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