Viral Infections in Type 2 Diabetes: A Dangerous Liaison

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasing in incidence in many parts of the world and is becoming an important global health threat. T2DM results from a disturbance in glucose metabolism and is triggered by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. In regions where diabetes is prevalent, viral infections are also common; both conditions can contribute to increased blood sugar levels. We hypothesize that under these conditions, viral infections could accelerate many of the complications of T2DM in predisposed individuals. The high glucose levels may negatively impact blood vessel structure, white blood cell function, and infection-fighting proteins, which may weaken the immune response and, in turn, increase the frequency of viral infections in diabetic patients. Furthermore, viruses can stimulate an immune response, which induces inflammation and cytokine secretion. This perspective article postulates the existence of an axis between T2DM and viral infections and highlights the mechanistic aspects underlying their connection. A better understanding of the mechanisms between viral infections and blood sugar is likely to reveal new therapeutic avenues for the treatment and management of these diseases.