Treatment outcomes of patients with tuberculosis and diabetes: A prospective cohort study from India

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) and diabetes mellitus (DM) are significant causes of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. This study aimed to explore the relationship between diabetes and TB. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study in which all newly diagnosed inpatients with TB above the age of 18 years during the study period (September 2018 to August 2020) were included. Fasting sugars and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were recorded at the baseline, 3^rdmonth, and 6^thmonth in the diabetic patients on antitubercular therapy (ATT). Treatment outcomes were measured in both the diabetic and the nondiabetic groups. Results: The prevalence of diabetes in patients with TB admitted at our tertiary care hospital was found to be 38.5%. A favorable treatment outcome was seen in 96.3% of the patients with DM when compared to 95.6% in those without diabetes. A decreasing trend of HbA1c and fasting sugars was noticed in patients with DM during ATT. Conclusion: The screening of DM in patients with TB can help in early diagnosis and better glycemic control which may improve the possibility of favorable outcomes.