Purpose of review
Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) and urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women with diabetes mellitus and
during pregnancy are common and can have far-reaching consequences for the woman and neonate. This
review describes epidemiology, risk factors, complications and treatment of UTI and ASB according to
recent developments in these two groups.
Recent findings
Most articles addressing the epidemiology and risk factors of ASB and UTI in diabetic and pregnant women
confirmed existing knowledge. New insights were obtained in the association between sodium–glucose
cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, as medication for diabetes mellitus type 2, and a small increased risk for
UTI due to glucosuria and the possible negative effects of UTI, including urosepsis,on bladder and kidney
function in diabetic women. Predominantly, potential long-term effects of antibiotic treatment of ASB or UTI
during pregnancy on the neonate have received attention, including antibiotic resistance and epilepsy.
Summary
SGLT2 inhibitors were associated with a small increased risk for UTI, UTI in diabetic women may lead to
bladder and kidney dysfunction, and antibiotic treatment of ASB and UTI during pregnancy was associated
with long-term effects on the neonate. Up-to-date research on the effectiveness and long-term effects of ASB
screening and treatment