Unravelling the Nexus: A Comparative Analysis of Diabetes Mellitus and Its Impact on Respiratory Infection Susceptibility and Outcomes

Diabetes Mellitus and Respiratory Infection Susceptibility

  • Rajeev P Thomas Department of Pharmacy Practice, National College of Pharmacy, Manassery, Calicut
  • Kumudhavalli Manni Venkatachari
  • Sanjay Ganamoorthi
  • Ranjith Kumar Sivaji
Keywords: Pneumonia, Influenza, Immune Dysfunction, Glycemic Control, Pulmonary Defense Mechanisms, Infection Prevention, Clinical Management.

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global health crisis that not only affects
blood glucose regulation but also significantly impacts various organs
and body systems, including immune function. One of the most
concerning complications of DM is an increased susceptibility to
infections, particularly respiratory infections. These infections, ranging
from pneumonia to viral respiratory infections such as influenza and
tuberculosis (TB), and fungal infections like aspergillosis, tend to be more
severe in diabetic individuals, leading to prolonged illness, increased
hospitalisation, and mortality. This article provides a comparative
analysis of the mechanisms through which diabetes impacts respiratory
infection susceptibility, explores the types of respiratory infections
that are most common in diabetic patients and offers an in-depth
look at the clinical consequences of these infections. Furthermore, we
discuss innovative approaches to managing and preventing respiratory
infections in individuals with diabetes, including novel vaccines, precision
medicine, and integrated care models.

How to cite this article:
Thomas R P, Venkatachari K M, Ganamoorth S,
Sivaji R K. Unravelling the Nexus: A Comparative
Analysis of Diabetes Mellitus and Its Impact on
Respiratory Infection Susceptibility and Outcomes
J Commun Dis. 2025;57(1):203-212.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/0019.5138.202526

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Published
2025-04-03