Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a highly prevalent, chronic condition in adults worldwide. Little is known about the potential role of diabetes as an effect modifier of vaccine protective responses.
Areas covered: We conducted a literature review of the immunogenicity, efficacy and effectiveness of immunization in individuals, in studies that compared subjects with DM (DM+) and without DM (DM-). We found few published studies, which were only for vaccines against hepatitis B, influenza, pneumococcal disease, or varicela zoster. Except for a consistent attenuation of the immune response to hepatitis B vaccine among DM+ individuals, we found little other consistent evidence for DM as an effect modifier of vaccine responses.
Expert opinion: There are substantial gaps in our knowledge of the impact of DM on the immune response to immunization or effect of vaccination.
Keywords: Diabetes mellitus; effect modifier; effectiveness; efficacy; immunogenicity.