Prevalence and Risk Factors of Diabetes in Patients with Active Pulmonary Tuberculosis: A Cross-Sectional Study in Two Financially Affluent China Cities

Abstract

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) and diabetes mellitus (DM) present a dual burden to public health. The screening of DM in TB patients may aid in the early detection and management of diabetes, ultimately improving treatment outcomes for those with the comorbidity of TB-DM. We aim to examine the prevalence and identify risk factors of diabetes in individuals with active pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in financially affluent China cities. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in adult patients with highly suspected TB in two cities of China, spanning from May 9, 2023, to June 30, 2023. We compare the clinical characteristics, nutrition status, fasting blood glucose (FBG) level, living style, and knowledge of TB and DM at admission between patients with and without DM. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to identify risk factors associated with TB-DM comorbidities. Results: Of the 322 patients diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), 54 individuals (16.8%) had comorbid diabetes mellitus (DM). This included 43 males (13.4%) and 11 females (3.4%). The average age was 55.44 ± 12.36 in DM patients and 46.09 ± 16.87 in non-DM patients. A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that male (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=3.29, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05–10.30), age older than 47 years (aOR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01–1.07), having a family history of diabetes (aOR = 5.09, 95% CI: 1.28–20.32), and an elevated random blood glucose level (aOR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.38–1.86) were risk factors for DM in patients with PTB. Furthermore, it was found that diabetes awareness (aOR = 0.07, 95% CI: 0.03–0.21) and zero, light to moderate alcohol consumption were associated with a lower risk of diabetes. Conclusion: Diabetes is prevalent in patients with active PTB. Screening and raising awareness of DM are recommended, particularly in men after middle age with a family history of diabetes and elevated random blood glucose. Early diagnosis of diabetes and effective diabetes prevention may reduce the dual burden of TB–DM comorbidity.