[Infections in diabetes mellitus].

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most frequent metabolic distortions predisposing for infectious diseases. Characteristic features of patients 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 mucormycosis, invasive external otitis and urinary tract infections are typically associated with diabetes mellitus. Frequently, a rapidly progressive infection requires urgent surgical intervention and parenteral antimicrobial therapy. Short-interval metabolic controls, improvement of metabolic functions, extended vaccination and strict hygiene measures are supportive to prevent infections or to reduce a complicated outcome of infections.