Abstract

Diabetic urinary tract infections, as part of diabetic nephropathy, significantly impair kidney function. In this review, we investigated the significant correlation that has been suggested between zinc deficiency and diabetic urinary tract infections. We discuss the relationship of the trace element zinc with immunity, urinary tract infection, and diabetic nephropathy. We found that zinc deficiency leads to abnormalities in the immune system; additionally, zinc concentration was closely associated with the occurrence of urinary tract infections, to which diabetic patients are more prone, especially those with low zinc levels. Our study suggested that zinc supplementation in patients with diabetic nephropathy may be beneficial for the prevention and treatment of diabetic urinary tract infections; however, further studies are required.

Keywords: Chronic kidney disease; Diabetic Nephropathy; Trace element zinc; Urinary tract infection