Bacteriuria in diabetes mellitus.

Abstract

One hundred and four diabetic patients with bacteriuria were followed for a mean period of 44 months. They were divided in two groups “cured” and “persistent” according to the results of treatment. Retinopathy and albuminuria as evidences of microangiopathy were present at the beginning of the study in a greater number of patients and in a greater degree in those with persistent bacteriuria than in those cured. At follow-up the number of patients with and the severity of retinopathy and albuminuria were higher in those with persistent bacteriuria although not statistically different. Microangiopathy usually antedated bacteriuria and may have contributed to its persistence, although the possibility that bacteriuria played a role in the progression of microangiopathy cannot be excluded. No significant deterioration in renal function became apparent in either group, suggesting that persistent bacteriuria had not obviously contributed, to the development of pyelonephritis or progressive renal damage.