Link between diabetes and tuberculosis

When we think about diabetes and tuberculosis (TB), most of us see them as totally different problems. But did you know they can sometimes happen together?

How?

TB is an infection that spreads through the air and usually affects the lungs, while diabetes is a condition that makes it hard for your body to manage blood sugar. Even though both conditions are different, if you have diabetes, it is more likely you will get TB. This is because diabetes weakens the body’s defence system. Understanding how these two illnesses are connected can help you stay healthier.

Key Highlights

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) report:

• In 2023, about 380,000 new TB cases were linked to diabetes, showing how closely these two diseases are connected.
• Having diabetes can make TB treatment harder because it’s tougher to keep blood sugar under control, making it tricky to manage both illnesses.
• About 87% of TB cases occur in low- and middle-income countries, mainly in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and South America.
• Tuberculosis (TB) is the 13th leading cause of death worldwide and the deadliest infectious disease after COVID-19.
• In 2022, TB cases linked to malnutrition were 2.2 million; alcohol use, 733,000; and smoking, 705,000.

So, what is this data pointing to? It shows that diabetes mellitus and TB don’t just happen by chance; they’re connected in ways that can make both diseases harder to fight. Understanding this can help you to stay protective and healthy.

What is the connection between diabetes and an increased risk of tuberculosis?

Diabetes and tuberculosis (TB) are two very different diseases, but they are more connected than you might think. 

If you have diabetes, your body is not as strong at fighting infections. That makes it easier for TB bacteria to take hold and cause illness.

So, how does diabetes raise the risk of TB?

Here’s a quick look:

How Diabetes Increases TB Risk – At a Glance

Reason	How It Increases TB Risk
Weakened Immunity	Diabetes lowers the body’s natural defence, making it easier for TB to spread.
High Blood Sugar	Helps TB bacteria survive and grow in the body.
Chronic Inflammation	Inflammation from diabetes makes it harder to control infections like TB.
Delayed Detection	TB signs may be missed or confused with diabetes symptoms.
More Complications	Managing both diseases together is harder and can lead to worse health outcomes.

Why are people with diabetes more likely to get TB?

• High blood sugar levels weaken your immune response.
• The body becomes slower to react to infections like TB.
• Even if TB is already in your body but inactive, diabetes can make it “wake up” and become active.

But what about the other way around?

You might be wondering — if you have TB, can it lead to diabetes?

The answer is yes, but it’s not as direct. Here’s how TB might affect your blood sugar:

• TB causes stress and inflammation in the body, which can raise blood sugar levels.
• Some TB treatments, especially steroids, can also cause temporary spikes in blood sugar.
• In some cases, TB can reveal undiagnosed diabetes or push someone with prediabetes into full diabetes, especially if they already had risk factors like being overweight or having a family history.

Why are diabetics more likely to get tuberculosis?

The answer lies mainly in how diabetes affects the immune system. Here’s how:

• High blood sugar levels weaken your immune response.
• The body becomes slower to react to infections like TB.
• Even if TB is already in your body but inactive, diabetes can make it “wake up” and become active.

Because of these factors, people with diabetes can get any type of TB, including lung TB or spinal tuberculosis. This connection is especially important in countries where both diabetes and TB are common.

How does diabetes make tuberculosis worse?

When someone with diabetes also gets tuberculosis (TB), things can get more difficult. Here’s why:

• Slower Healing: Diabetes can make your body heal more slowly. So, it might take longer to recover from TB.
• More Serious Problems: People with diabetes are more likely to have worse TB symptoms. The infection can damage the lungs more or even spread to other parts of the body.
• Harder to Manage: Some TB medicines can make it tough to keep blood sugar levels steady. That means managing diabetes during TB treatment can be more challenging.
• Higher Risk: Having both diabetes and TB can raise the risk of serious illness or even death, compared to having just TB alone.

So, having diabetes not only raises the risk of getting TB but also makes the disease harder to treat.

Diagnosing and Treating TB in People with Diabetes

If you have diabetes and notice symptoms like a persistent cough, fever, night sweats, or weight loss, it is important to get checked for TB early. Early diagnosis can prevent serious complications.

How do doctors diagnose TB?

Doctors use different diagnostic tests for tuberculosis, including:

• Chest X-rays
• Sputum tests (examining mucus from your lungs)
• Blood tests

If you have diabetes, your doctor may recommend these tests even if your symptoms are mild because of your higher risk.

Treatment for TB and diabetes requires special attention. You will need to:

• Follow TB treatment carefully as prescribed by a tuberculosis specialist.
• Work closely with your diabetes doctor to keep your blood sugar levels stable.
• Regularly monitor your health to watch for side effects or complications.

Controlling blood sugar is very important because it helps the body respond better to TB medicines. At the same time, TB treatment can sometimes make blood sugar harder to manage, so doctors may adjust your diabetes medication during treatment.

Prevention of Tuberculosis in People with Diabetes

Preventing TB is important, especially if you have diabetes. Some simple steps include:

• Keep blood sugar under control. 
• Avoid exposure to TB.
• Practise good hygiene. 
• Get vaccinated if available. 
• Regular health check-ups.

These steps are part of good tuberculosis prevention and help protect those with diabetes from catching TB.

Final Thought

Diabetes and TB may seem unrelated, but they can make each other worse. If you have diabetes, it’s important to know the signs of TB and check in with your doctor often. Managing your blood sugar well can help protect you from serious problems. The more you understand the link between these two conditions, the better you can take care of your health. Small steps can make a big difference. Stay informed. Stay healthy.

FAQs

Is papaya good for diabetes?

Yes, in moderation. Papaya has natural sugars but is low on the glycaemic index, making it safe for most diabetics.

Is tuberculosis contagious?

Yes, TB spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Is tuberculosis a communicable disease?

Yes, TB is a communicable disease because it can be passed from person to person.

Is sugar bad for tuberculosis?

Too much sugar can weaken the immune system, which may slow TB recovery, especially in diabetics.

Does TB medicine increase blood sugar?

Some TB medicines can affect blood sugar levels, especially in people with diabetes.

What is the fastest way to control diabetes?

A mix of a healthy diet, regular exercise, and taking your medication as prescribed can help control diabetes quickly.