BIDIRECTIONAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DIABETES MELLITUS AND TUBERCULOSIS

Sathish Kumar Sure, Deepika Reddy Basireddygari, *Dr. V. Jayasankar Reddy M Pharm, PhD and Dr. Aruna G. MBBS, MD

ABSTRACT

India has a high prevalence of Tuberculosis (TB) as well as Diabetes Mellitus (DM). The risk of TB amongst DM patients is three times higher than those without. The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence of DM with TB and symptomatology, time to clinical improvement and prognosis in TB patients with DM. It is prospective observational study carried out for a period of 6 months in TB wards SVRR Govt General Hospital in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. A total of 31 patients with confirmed diagnosis of TB and DM were recruited. 26 (84%) were males and 5 (16%) were females. 30 (97%) was pulmonary TB and 1(3%) was extra pulmonary TB. The predominant age group of patients was 51-60 years. The mean BMI was <18.5. 23 (74%) of study population were smokers and 22 (71%) were alcoholics. 29 (94%) were positive for sputum test. 19 (55%) were daily wage workers. Cough, SOB, weight gain, loss of appetite was main symptoms. There were 6 (19%) deaths. One – way Annova was performed for FBS and PPBS levels. For FBS levels, p – value was 0.05, considered not statistically significant. For PPBS levels, P – value of 0.03 considered statistically significant. We concluded that there is bidirectional relationship between TB and DM and both impact the presentation of one another. Early screening for DM in TB patients and for TB in diabetics will prevent morbidity and mortality. Judicious control of blood sugar levels will improve the symptomatology and prognosis in TB patients.

Keywords: Tuberculosis, Diabetes Mellitus, prevalence, bidirectional relationshiop, screening.