Management of asymptomatic bacteriuria in patients with diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE: To review the literature regarding the management of asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) in patients with diabetes mellitus. DATA SOURCES: A MEDLINE (1967-June 2003) and bibliographic search of the English-language literature was conducted using the search terms diabetes mellitus, asymptomatic, bacteriuria, and urinary tract infection. DATA SYNTHESIS: ASB occurs in diabetic women more commonly than in non-diabetics and is associated with an increased risk of symptomatic urinary tract infection (UTI) among patients with type 2 diabetes. Symptomatic UTIs tend to follow a more complicated course in diabetics. Despite these independent observations, antimicrobial therapy has not been shown to reduce symptomatic UTIs, pyelonephritis, or hospitalization for UTI. CONCLUSIONS: Available evidence does not support antimicrobial treatment of ASB among patients with diabetes mellitus.