Responsiveness of the innate immune system and glucose concentrations in the oldest old

Abstract

Patients with diabetes mellitus show increased risk of infectious disease as well as disturbances in innate immunity. In critical care settings, hyperglycemia is associated with increased risk of sepsis. It is unclear whether elevated glucose concentrations and innate immunity are associated in a nonclinical setting. We aimed to assess the association between glucose concentrations and innate immune response in the oldest old, who are at increased risk of both disturbed glucose metabolism as well as infectious disease. This study was part of the Leiden 85- plus Study. In 562 subjects aged 85 years old of the general population, venous blood samples were taken for measurement of morning gluco..