Diabetes mellitus (DM) increases the risk of active tuberculosis (TB), according to a systematic review of 13 observational studies. The review found that DM is associated with a 3.11-fold increased risk of TB (95% CI 2.27–4.26) in cohort studies. Case-control studies showed varying odds ratios, ranging from 1.16 to 7.83. Subgroup analyses indicated higher effect estimates in non-North American studies. The study concluded that DM increases TB risk regardless of study design or population. People with DM may be important targets for interventions such as active case finding and treatment of latent TB. Efforts to diagnose and treat DM may also benefit TB control. The review highlights the need for further research to understand the biological mechanisms linking DM and TB, as well as the impact of DM on TB risk based on type, duration, and severity of DM. The findings suggest that TB control programs should consider targeting patients with DM for interventions, and that efforts to diagnose and treat DM may have a beneficial impact on TB control. The study also notes that DM contributes significantly to the global burden of TB, with estimates suggesting that DM accounts for a large proportion of active TB cases in populations with diabetes. The review emphasizes the importance of addressing the intersection of DM and TB in public health strategies.Diabetes mellitus (DM) increases the risk of active tuberculosis (TB), according to a systematic review of 13 observational studies. The review found that DM is associated with a 3.11-fold increased risk of TB (95% CI 2.27–4.26) in cohort studies. Case-control studies showed varying odds ratios, ranging from 1.16 to 7.83. Subgroup analyses indicated higher effect estimates in non-North American studies. The study concluded that DM increases TB risk regardless of study design or population. People with DM may be important targets for interventions such as active case finding and treatment of latent TB. Efforts to diagnose and treat DM may also benefit TB control. The review highlights the need for further research to understand the biological mechanisms linking DM and TB, as well as the impact of DM on TB risk based on type, duration, and severity of DM. The findings suggest that TB control programs should consider targeting patients with DM for interventions, and that efforts to diagnose and treat DM may have a beneficial impact on TB control. The study also notes that DM contributes significantly to the global burden of TB, with estimates suggesting that DM accounts for a large proportion of active TB cases in populations with diabetes. The review emphasizes the importance of addressing the intersection of DM and TB in public health strategies.