Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a rapidly growing non-communicable disease in Nigeria, posing a dual challenge by 
increasing the national burden of chronic disease while exacerbating susceptibility to infectious diseases. Immune 
dysfunction associated with diabetes, including impaired innate and adaptive immune responses, compromises the 
host’s defense against pathogens. This immune dysregulation predisposes diabetic individuals to both endemic and 
emerging infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria, Lassa fever, and COVID-19. The interaction between 
diabetes and infectious diseases creates a syndemic environment where chronic hyperglycemia amplifies infection 
risk and worsens outcomes. This review synthesizes current pathophysiological mechanisms linking diabetes and 
immune dysfunction, explores the epidemiological patterns of diabetes-infection comorbidity in Nigeria, and 
discusses implications for public health policy, surveillance, and integrated disease management. Strengthening 
metabolic control, infectious disease monitoring, and health system integration is essential for mitigating the 
compounded burden in Nigeria’s evolving epidemiological landscape.