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88 - Diabetes and Infection

from Part XI - The Susceptible Host

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 March 2013

Stefan Bughi
Affiliation:
University of Southern California
Sylvia J. Shaw
Affiliation:
University of Southern California
David Schlossberg
Affiliation:
Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia
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Summary

Diabetes mellitus is a very prevalent disorder, affecting more than 21 million Americans, with a larger population having prediabetes, such as abnormal glucose tolerance test (˜22 million). More than 90% of diabetic patients have type 2 diabetes. Microvascular and macrovascular complications are related to blood glucose control and disease duration and are more commonly seen in the elderly.

Diabetic patients are also at risk for infections (Table 88.1); approximately 50% of diabetic patients will have at least one hospital admission or outpatient visit for infection. Certain infections (ie, respiratory and foot infections) are overrepresented in the diabetic population and are associated with a higher risk of infection-related mortality.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS TO INFECTION

The abnormalities in host defense mechanisms in diabetic patients are related to uncontrolled diabetes. Hyperglycemia alters host immune response and has been implicated in disorders of immune function by alteration of polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PML) chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and decreased intracellular bactericidal activities. The effect of hyperglycemia on phagocytic activity is associated with an increase in cytosolic calcium and is reversible with the improvement of blood glucose level. There are other metabolic imbalances, which impair the immune system, such as presence of acidemia, reported to be reversed with the normalization of the pH. In addition, presence of chronic inflammatory changes may contribute to the metabolic imbalances (ie, via increased cytokines).

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Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2008

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