AbstractIntroduction: The co-existence of tuberculosis (TB) and diabetes mellitus (DM) presents significant challenges to health systems worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence, clinical characteristics, management strategies, and outcomes of patients co-infected with TB and DM in a tertiary care hospital.
Material and Methods: This was a retrospective study of 75 patients with confirmed TB and DM treated in a tertiary care hospital. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, treatment details, and outcomes were collected from patients' medical records and analyzed.
Results: The mean age of the patients was 56 years, and there was a slight male predominance (56%). The majority had pulmonary TB (60%), with a mean DM duration of 8 years. More than half (53.3%) of the patients had complications related to DM. The most common anti-TB regimen was HRZE (66.7%), while the majority of patients were managed with oral anti-diabetic drugs (53.3%). Most patients (80%) had successful treatment outcomes, but a small proportion experienced treatment failure (20%), default (13.3%), or death (6.7%).
Conclusions: The study findings highlight the complexities of managing TB and DM co-infection and underscore the importance of integrated and patient-centered care approaches. The results emphasize the need for routine screening for DM in TB patients, effective glycemic control, and the implementation of socio-economic interventions to improve treatment outcomes.