Tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus: convergence of two epidemics

Tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus: convergence of two epidemics

2009 December ; 9(12): 737–746 | Kelly E Dooley and Richard E Chaisson
The article by Dooley and Chaisson reviews the complex relationship between tuberculosis (TB) and diabetes mellitus, highlighting their mutual influence on each other's epidemiology, clinical presentation, and treatment outcomes. The authors emphasize that while TB incidence has declined in high-income countries, it remains high in regions with high HIV prevalence, malnutrition, crowded living conditions, and poor TB control infrastructure. Conversely, the prevalence of diabetes is rising globally due to increasing obesity. This dual burden of TB and diabetes poses a significant health threat, particularly in low-income countries where both diseases are prevalent. The review discusses the evidence that diabetes increases the risk of developing active TB and affects its clinical presentation and treatment response. Studies show that diabetic patients have a higher risk of developing TB, with the risk being particularly high among those with poor glycemic control. The article also explores the mechanisms by which diabetes might increase susceptibility to TB, including impaired immune function and altered glucose metabolism. Additionally, it examines how TB can worsen diabetes control and vice versa, and the pharmacological considerations in co-managing these two conditions. The authors conclude by emphasizing the need for further research to better understand the interplay between TB and diabetes, and to develop strategies for integrated screening and management in affected populations. They highlight the importance of addressing the growing overlap between TB and diabetes to improve public health outcomes.The article by Dooley and Chaisson reviews the complex relationship between tuberculosis (TB) and diabetes mellitus, highlighting their mutual influence on each other's epidemiology, clinical presentation, and treatment outcomes. The authors emphasize that while TB incidence has declined in high-income countries, it remains high in regions with high HIV prevalence, malnutrition, crowded living conditions, and poor TB control infrastructure. Conversely, the prevalence of diabetes is rising globally due to increasing obesity. This dual burden of TB and diabetes poses a significant health threat, particularly in low-income countries where both diseases are prevalent. The review discusses the evidence that diabetes increases the risk of developing active TB and affects its clinical presentation and treatment response. Studies show that diabetic patients have a higher risk of developing TB, with the risk being particularly high among those with poor glycemic control. The article also explores the mechanisms by which diabetes might increase susceptibility to TB, including impaired immune function and altered glucose metabolism. Additionally, it examines how TB can worsen diabetes control and vice versa, and the pharmacological considerations in co-managing these two conditions. The authors conclude by emphasizing the need for further research to better understand the interplay between TB and diabetes, and to develop strategies for integrated screening and management in affected populations. They highlight the importance of addressing the growing overlap between TB and diabetes to improve public health outcomes.
Reach us at info@study.space
[slides] Tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus%3A convergence of two epidemics. | StudySpace