DIABETES AND SEPSIS: DETERMINANT FACTORS FOR INCREASED MORTALITY

Abstract

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic condition characterized by persistent hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion or action, which compromises immunometabolic balance and increases vulnerability to severe infections. Among these, sepsis represents one of the most relevant complications due to the dysregulation of the systemic inflammatory response and the elevated risk of organ dysfunction. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between Diabetes Mellitus and the clinical course of sepsis. The methodology was based on a literature review using the PubMed, LILACS, and Google Scholar databases. The analyzed studies demonstrate that chronic hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, glucotoxicity, and immune dysfunction associated with DM contribute to greater susceptibility to infections, delay pathogen recognition and clearance, and increase the risk of progression to severe sepsis and septic shock. It was also found that diabetic patients have higher mortality rates, longer hospital stays, greater use of advanced support, and a higher predisposition to secondary complications. It is concluded that DM directly influences the severity of sepsis, revealing the need for specific prevention strategies, early identification, and targeted clinical management for this population.