INFECTIONS IN DIABETES-MELLITUS

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most frequent metabolic distortions pr edisposing for infectious diseases. Characteristic features of patient s with diabetes mellitus are dysfunctions of professional phagocytes, in particular of polymorphonuclear leucocytes. Infections of skin and soft tissue in particular of the lower extremities, rhinocerebral muco rmycosis, invasive external otitis and urinary tract infections are ty pically associated with diabetes mellitus. Frequently, a rapidly progr essive infection requires urgent surgical intervention and parenteral antimicrobial therapy. Short-interval metabolic controls, improvement of metabolic functions, extended vaccination and strict hygiene measur es are supportive to prevent infections or to reduce a complicated out come of infections.