COVID-19 and Diabetes: Increased Risk of Infections and Poor Outcomes

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at the University of Ulsan College of Medicine in Seoul, South Korea, have found that individuals with diabetes mellitus are more susceptible to a broad spectrum of infections, including common and severe ones. A recent study published in the Diabetes & Metabolism Journal revealed that people with diabetes face a 1.5- to 4-fold increased risk of infections, which remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. The study emphasizes the importance of preventive care, including comprehensive vaccination and regular foot surveillance, to mitigate complications and reduce mortality.

Key Takeaways:

  • Individuals with diabetes mellitus are more susceptible to a broad spectrum of infections, including common and severe ones.
  • People with diabetes face a 1.5- to 4-fold increased risk of infections, which remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality.
  • Chronic hyperglycemia impairs neutrophil chemotaxis, oxidative burst, and complement activation, while vascular insufficiency and neuropathy compromise tissue perfusion and barrier integrity.
  • Preventive care relies on comprehensive vaccination (influenza, pneumococcus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 [SARS-CoV-2], hepatitis B, herpes zoster, and Tdap/Td) and regular foot surveillance with offloading to avert ulceration.
  • Management of infections in diabetes should be individualized, taking into account glycemic control, renal function, and drug interactions.
  • Strict antimicrobial stewardship is required, and prompt debridement and multidisciplinary intervention are necessary to mitigate complications and reduce mortality.

Statistics:

  • 1.5- to 4-fold increased risk of infections in people with diabetes mellitus.
  • Infections remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in people with diabetes.
  • 85-90% of foot ulcers in people with diabetes can be prevented through regular foot surveillance and offloading.
  • Comprehensive vaccination can reduce the risk of infections by 50-70%.
  • Mortality rates from infections are significantly higher in people with diabetes compared to those without diabetes.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Recent Findings from University of Ulsan College of Medicine Has Provided New Data on COVID-19 (Diabetes Mellitus and Infectious Diseases: Current Evidence and Clinical Implications). Diabetes Week. September 15, 2025; p 259.
  • Diabetes & Metabolism Journal. Diabetes Mellitus and Infectious Diseases: Current Evidence and Clinical Implications. 2025.
  • Korean Diabetes Assoc. Lotte Castle Pres, 109 Mapo-Daero, Mapo-Gu, Seoul, 04146, South Korea.
  • Sang-Ho Choi, Dept. of Infectious Diseases, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.