Fungal infection characteristic in type 2 diabetic mellitus: Narrative review

Background: Individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus demonstrate a weakened immune system compared to those in a state of excellent health, rendering them more vulnerable to viral, bacterial, and fungal infections.Objective: This study aimed to examine the characteristics of fungal infections in individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).Methods: This study is a narrative review that conducted a comprehensive search of literature worldwide using the e-library PubMed. The journals that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were further examined and interpreted in the form of narratives.Fungal infections include genitourinary fungal infections, oral fungal infections, invasive fungal diseases, and fungal infections in diabetic foot ulcers. Some studies have found that the use of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors may be associated with fungal infections. In addition, studies have discussed the types of fungal infections in diabetic patients, as well as their association with SGLT2 inhibitor use. In addition, one study examined the association between IL-23R polymorphisms and fungal infections.Conclusion: Patients with type 2 diabetes are prone to a range of diseases including fungal infections. In addition to immunocompromised conditions, patients with type 2 DM are susceptible to fungal infections due to factors such as the administration of SGLT2 inhibitor medications and the influence of the IL-23R gene polymorphism.