Infectious emergencies in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Although it remains controversial as to whether diabetics have an overall increased incidence of infection as compared to nondiabetics, several potentially life-threatening infections do appear to be uniquely associated with diabetes. These infections generally occur in older diabetics with less than optimal glucose control. For each entity, selected symptoms and signs may suggest the diagnosis but confirmation of via tissue biopsy with culture and histopathology or radiography is usually necessary. Management typically require both antimicrobial treatment and surgery.