Why diabetes mellitus is clssified as immunocompromised disease?

Diabetes mellitus is not classified as a primary immunodeficiency disease. However, it can lead to secondary immunodeficiency, which means that the immune system is weakened due to another underlying condition. Here are some reasons why diabetes can cause immunodeficiency:

Hyperglycemia: Chronic high blood sugar levels, a hallmark of diabetes, can impair the function of various immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes. This impairment reduces the body's ability to fight off infections.

Altered immune cell function: Diabetes can alter the production and function of cytokines, which are signaling molecules that regulate immune responses. This dysregulation can affect the communication between immune cells, leading to impaired immune responses.

Increased risk of infections: People with diabetes are more susceptible to infections, such as bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. This increased risk is partly due to the impaired immune function caused by diabetes.

Poor wound healing: Diabetes can also lead to poor wound healing, as the high blood sugar levels can impair the migration of immune cells and the formation of new blood vessels to the wound site, hindering the body's natural healing process.

Autoimmune disorders: People with type 1 diabetes often have an autoimmune condition called autoimmune thyroiditis, which further contributes to the dysregulation of the immune system.

While diabetes itself is not classified as an immunodeficiency disease, its effects on the immune system can increase the risk of infections, impair wound healing, and contribute to the development of autoimmune disorders. Therefore, it is important for individuals with diabetes to take extra precautions to prevent infections and manage their blood sugar levels to minimize the impact of diabetes on their immune system.