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Diabetes Mellitus and Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections
Omar F Dueñas-Garcia1, Doreen E Chung2, Julia Geynisman-Tan3
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV.
Urogynecology (Philadelphia, Pa.)
|July 24, 2026
Summary
Women with diabetes mellitus have higher rates of urinary tract infections (UTIs). More research is needed on diabetes-specific UTI risks and effective treatments for this population.
Area of Science:
- Urogynecology
- Endocrinology
- Infectious Disease
Background:
- Women with diabetes mellitus (DM) exhibit increased susceptibility to urinary tract infections (UTIs) and recurrent UTIs.
- Limited evidence-based guidance exists for managing UTIs in diabetic women, posing challenges for clinicians.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and summarize existing evidence on diabetes-specific risk factors for UTIs in women.
- To inform clinical decision-making for urogynecologists managing recurrent UTIs in patients with DM.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review from January 1995 to October 2024.
- Analysis of 249 abstracts and 119 full-text articles, including 32 studies.
- Development of a Clinical Consensus Statement using the Delphi method due to insufficient evidence for guidelines.
Main Results:
- Consensus was achieved on nine statements covering UTI epidemiology, risk factors (glycemic control, medications, bacteriuria), and management.
- Key areas of focus included understanding the interplay between diabetes and UTI development.
Conclusions:
- Higher prevalence of UTIs and recurrent UTIs is confirmed in women with DM.
- A significant gap exists in prospective studies, particularly randomized trials, evaluating UTI risks and medication side effects in this demographic.
- Urgent need for future research on UTI prevention and treatment efficacy specifically tailored for women with diabetes mellitus.
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