A STUDY ON PREVALENCE OF DIABETES AND PRE-DIABETES IN A NEWLY DIAGNOSED TUBERCULOSIS PATIENTS.

Corresponding Author:
Ravishankar Natarajaboopathy,
Assistant Professor,
Department of General Medicine,
Chengalpattu Medical College.
E-mail: doctormarchman@rediffmail.com

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND

India is a country with high prevalence of both Diabetes Mellitus and Tuberculosis. In view of the increased prevalence of Diabetes among tuberculosis patients, Diabetes is considered as a risk factor for TB. In addition to this Diabetes influences, the presentation and treatment outcome of Tuberculosis patient. A good control of Diabetes is essential for a better treatment outcome in TB patients.

The aim of this study is to study the prevalence of Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes among newly diagnosed TB patients and to study the impact of Diabetes on tuberculosis presentation among the same group of patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

132 patients who were diagnosed as TB positive were screened for Diabetes by history of Diabetes, FBS, OGTT and by HbA1C, based on which they were classified into 3 groups namely Non-Diabetic (Non-DMTB), Pre-Diabetic (Pre-DMTB) and Diabetic (DMTB). The prevalence of DM and Pre-DM were calculated. Parameters like Age, Sex, family history of DM, presentation as Pulmonary TB, High Sputum Positivity (3+) and Radiological presentation are compared among the 3 groups.

RESULTS

The prevalence of diabetes and pre-diabetes among TB patients were 38.6% and 18.9% respectively. The male:female ratio is significantly high in diabetic and pre-diabetic TB patients when compared with non-diabetic TB patients (80.4:19.6, 88:12 vs. 51.8:48.2). The mean age is significantly high in both DMTB and Pre-DMTB patients (52.92, 45.4 vs. 35.33). Family history of DM is significantly high among DMTB patients. DMTB patients presents predominantly with pulmonary tuberculosis and high sputum positivity (3+). The radiological presentation in DM TB patients are as increased presentation of bilateral disease and cavity formation.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a high prevalence of DM and pre-DM among newly diagnosed TB patients. Male sex, increasing age and family history of DM are risk factors. The radiological presentation also differ in tuberculosis patients with diabetes.

KEYWORDS                           

Diabetes Mellitus, Pre-Diabetes, Pulmonary Tuberculosis, Sputum Positivity.