PREVALENCE OF URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS IN TYPE-II DIABETICS TAKING EMPAGLIFLOZIN AT DHQ HOSPITAL MIRPUR AJK

Abstract

Background:

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) increases susceptibility to infections, including urinary tract infections (UTIs). Sodium‑glucose co‑transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors improve glycemic and cardiorenal outcomes but may raise the risk of genitourinary infections due to glucosuria. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of culture‑confirmed UTIs in ambulatory T2DM patients receiving empagliflozin.

Materials and Methods:

A prospective longitudinal study was conducted at DHQ Hospital Mirpur, AJK (Dec 2023–May 2024) including adults with T2DM initiated on empagliflozin for inadequate glycemic control. Baseline labs, urine cultures, and hygiene counseling were provided, with 12‑week follow‑up assessing symptomatic and culture‑confirmed UTIs as the primary outcome and genital infections as secondary outcomes. All data was entered and calculated using SPSS version 23.0. The statistical significance set at p ≤ 0.05.

Results:

Among 200 patients (mean age 50.2 ± 10.8 years, 64% male), 12 (6%) developed urinary tract infections and 9 (4.5%) had genital infections after 12 weeks of empagliflozin therapy. Females and those with HbA1c > 8.5% had significantly higher infection rates (p = 0.002 and p = 0.01, respectively), while BMI, diabetes duration, and prior UTI history showed no significant associations.

Conclusion:

Empagliflozin use in T2DM patients was associated with modest rates of urinary and genital infections, with higher risk in females and those with poor glycemic control. Careful patient selection, hygiene counseling, and vigilant monitoring are essential, and larger long‑term studies are needed to confirm these findings