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Infection and diabetes: the case for glucose control
The American Journal of Medicine
|March 1, 1982
Summary
Patients with diabetes mellitus experience increased infection rates, especially with poorly controlled blood sugar. Maintaining good glycemic control is crucial for bolstering the immune system and preventing infections in diabetic individuals.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus is associated with altered host defense mechanisms.
- The relationship between glycemic control and infection susceptibility in diabetic patients remains debated.
- Acute infections significantly impact the endocrinologic-metabolite status of diabetic individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between glycemic control and infection prevalence in diabetic patients.
- To assess the impact of diabetes on leukocyte function and serum opsonic activity.
- To evaluate the role of good glycemic control in preventing infections and maintaining host defense.
Main Methods:
- Review of medical charts from 241 outpatient diabetic patients.
- Correlation analysis between mean plasma glucose levels and infection prevalence.
- Assessment of intracellular bactericidal activity of leukocytes against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.
- Measurement of serum opsonic activity for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.
Main Results:
- A significant direct correlation was observed between overall infection prevalence and mean plasma glucose levels (p < 0.001).
- Diabetic patients with poorly controlled blood sugar exhibited diminished intracellular bactericidal activity of leukocytes against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli compared to controls.
- Serum opsonic activity for both bacteria was significantly lower in diabetic subjects than in controls.
- Good glycemic control was associated with prevention of certain infections, such as Candida vaginitis.
Conclusions:
- Poorly controlled diabetes mellitus is associated with increased susceptibility to infections.
- Impaired leukocyte function and reduced opsonic activity contribute to increased infection risk in diabetic patients.
- Effective glycemic control is essential for maintaining robust host defense mechanisms and preventing infections in individuals with diabetes.
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