Genitourinary infections in diabetic patients in the new era of diabetes therapy with sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors

Aims To review prevalence and significance of urinary tract (UTI) and genital infections (GI) in diabetes and the effects of sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors on these complications. Data synthesis The prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) is 2–3 times higher in diabetic than in non-diabetic women. The treatment of ASB has no impact on the development of UTIs and/or a decline in renal function. Therefore, there is no indication for screening for and/or treatment of ASB. The incidence of UTI is higher and frequently complicated in diabetic patients, particularly in those with longer duration of disease and of older age. There is no consistent evidence of an association between A1c levels, glycosuria and the risk of ASB and/or UTIs. Diabetes is a known risk factor for Candida colonization and GI, and a poor glycemic control is associated with a higher risk. While patients treated with SGLT-2 inhibitors may have a non-significant increased risk of UTI, they have a clearly increased risk of GI; most of these infections are mild, easy to treat, and the rate of recurrence is low. Conclusion Diabetic patients are at high risk of UTIs and of GI. Only GI are associated with poor glycemic control. Although patients treated with SGLT-2 inhibitors have an increased 3–5 fold risk of GI, proper medical education can reduce this risk.