THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS AND TYPE 2 DIABETES: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia, often associated with various systemic complications, including an increased susceptibility to infections. Among these, urinary tract infections (UTIs) stand out as prevalent comorbidities with significant impact on both the individual health of diabetic patients and public healthcare costs. Objective: To investigate the current state of the art regarding the relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus and the occurrence of urinary tract infections. Methodology: To answer a guiding question “Do diabetic patients have a higher frequency or severity of urinary tract infections compared to non-diabetic patients?” an integrative review was conducted. The survey of articles was conducted in the PubMed, Virtual Health Library (VHL) and Cochrane Library databases. Results: Six international studies were included. The findings cover the prevalence and risk factors for these infections in individuals with T2DM, including aspects such as gender differences, etiological agents involved and hospitalization rates. Conclusion: The results demonstrate that individuals with T2DM, especially women and the elderly, have a higher incidence of urinary tract infections compared to non-diabetics, in addition to a higher risk of asymptomatic forms of these infections. Therefore, the importance of preventive measures, such as monitoring renal function, screening for asymptomatic bacteriuria and strict blood glucose control, is highlighted, with the aim of reducing complications and morbidity and mortality associated with UTIs in diabetic patients. It is also worth highlighting the need for further studies to deepen knowledge and guide more effective public health policies.

Keywords: Urinary Tract Infections; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Infectious Complications.