Type 2 Diabetes May Increase Risk of Severe Dengue, Study Finds

A study presented at the 14th Jothydev’s Professional Education Forum (JPEF) Annual Global Diabetes Convention in Kovalam has highlighted a worrying link between Type 2 diabetes and the severity of dengue infections.

Why the risk is increased

Experts say having Type 2 diabetes changes fundamentally the way the body deals with a viral infection. Elevated blood sugar levels can suppress the immune system and harm blood vessels, thereby impairing the body’s capacity to combat the dengue virus.

• * Increased Inflammatory Response: Diabetics are more prone to a "cytokine storm", which is an extreme and hyperactive immune response.

• Serious Complications: This powerful response can cause serious complications such as plasma leakage, internal bleeding and Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS), a condition leading to a sudden and fatal drop in blood pressure.

• Atypical Symptoms: Studies have shown that diabetic patients may have different clinical manifestations, including elevated abdominal pain and lower systolic blood pressure. Hence, early and careful medical monitoring is important in this population.

A Proactive Way Forward

Dr Jothydev Kesavadev and international experts who led this review suggest it’s time to rethink how we manage health for those with diabetes in dengue-prone regions.

• Integrate Vaccines The authors call for the integration of dengue vaccination into routine diabetes care. They noted that the TAK-003 vaccine (Qdenga) has proven effective, with strong protection against severe disease and a significant reduction in hospitalisations in clinical trials.

• First, awareness: Experts warn doctors to be vigilant about testing early and hospitalising any diabetic patient who develops a fever, as diabetes can make the course of dengue less predictable.

At the end of the day, this research is a reminder that managing a chronic condition like diabetes isn’t just about keeping blood sugar in check but about building the body’s resilience against wider health threats.

If you have any enquiries about these recommendations or the role of preventative vaccinations in chronic disease management