RSV Infection linked to risk of development of Type 2 Diabetes, suggests study

Written By : Dr. Shravani Dali Published On 2026-02-11T09:45:11+05:30 | Updated On 11 Feb 2026 9:45 AM IST

Findings from a new study indicate a potential association between respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection and the later development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, further prospective studies and mechanistic research are needed to confirm this relationship and clarify the biological pathways involved.

Whether respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection contributes to the development of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) or serves as an early warning indicator of type 2 diabetes mellitus risk remains unclear. The study utilized TriNetX US Collaborative Database between January 1, 2022, and March 31, 2024. Patients with a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus diagnosis, antidiabetic medication use, or HbA1c ≥ 6.5 were excluded. Respiratory syncytial virus infection was designated as the index event with propensity score matching. The risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus was assessed using Cox proportional hazards regression models. Sensitivity analyses were conducted for two periods: 2010–2015 and 2016–2019, and across different databases.

Results: A total of 3,052,016 patients, including 15,205 with respiratory syncytial virus (mean age, 51.1 years; 59.9% female) and 3,036,811 without respiratory syncytial virus (mean age, 46.9 years; 53.4% female). type 2 diabetes mellitus incidence was 5.69% in the respiratory syncytial virus group vs 2.48% in controls, HR 2.684 [95% CI: 2.378–3.030], E-value 4.81. Risk was significantly increased from infection to 3 and 6 months (HR 3 months: 2.697 [95% CI: 2.332–3.119]; HR 6 months: 2.271 [95% CI: 1.911–2.699]). All sensitivity analyses consistently showed a positive trend. The findings suggest an association between respiratory syncytial virus infection and subsequent type 2 diabetes mellitus. Prospective studies and mechanistic investigations are warranted to validate these observations and elucidate the underlying pathways.

Reference:

Risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus after respiratory syncytial viral infection: A retrospective cohort study using US database. Chen, Sunny Ssu-Yu et al. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, Volume 0, Issue 0, 113123

Keywords:

RSV, Infection, linked, risk, development, Type 2 Diabetes, suggests, study, Respiratory syncytial virus, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Cohort study, Epidemiology, Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, Chen, Sunny Ssu-Yu

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Source : Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice

Dr. Shravani Dali

Dr. Shravani Dali has completed her BDS from Pravara institute of medical sciences, loni. Following which she extensively worked in the healthcare sector for 2+ years. She has been actively involved in writing blogs in field of health and wellness. Currently she is pursuing her Masters of public health-health administration from Tata institute of social sciences. She can be contacted at editorial@medicaldialogues.in.