Impact of diabetes mellitus on outcomes of patients with sepsis: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: The effect of concurrent diabetes on the outcome of sepsis is not conclusively known. A meta-analysis published in 2017 indicated that diabetes did not influence the mortality of patients with sepsis but increased the risk of acute renal injury. In view of publication of several new studies in recent years, there is a need for updated evidence. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted using the PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar databases. Studies that were done in patients with sepsis, were observational in design- either cohort or case–control or analysed retrospective data were considered for inclusion. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA software. RESULTS: A total of 21 studies were included. The risk of in-hospital mortality (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.93, 1.04) and mortality at latest follow up i.e., within 90 days of discharge (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.86, 1.04) among diabetic and non-diabetic subjects was statistically similar. There was an increased risk of in-hospital mortality among those with high blood glucose level at admission (RR 1.45, 95% CI 1.01, 2.09). Among those who were diabetic, the risk of acute renal failure (RR 1.54, 95% CI 1.34, 1.78) was higher than non-diabetics. The risk of respiratory failure, adverse cardiac events, need for additional hospitalization post-discharge and length of hospital stay was similar among diabetics and non-diabetics. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes is not associated with poor survival outcomes in patients with sepsis but is associated with increased risk of acute renal failure. High blood glucose levels, irrespective of the diabetes status, are associated with increased risk of in-hospital mortality. Findings underscore the need for better evaluation of renal function in diabetic patients with concurrent sepsis. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13098-022-00803-2.