Diabetes and tuberculosis: a syndemic complicated by COVID-19

Med Clin (Barc). 2021 Sep 24;157(6):288-293. doi: 10.1016/j.medcli.2021.04.004. Epub 2021 May 6.
[Article in English, Spanish]

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of infectious mortality in the world, affecting mainly developing countries (DC), while diabetes (DM) is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases. This review analyzes the fact that diabetes is currently an important risk factor for developing TB, also presenting more complicated TB, more relapses and higher mortality. The DCs and the fourth world of the large cities are those with the highest incidence of TB and an increase in DM, which will make it difficult to control tuberculosis disease. At the same time, the COVID-19 pandemic is complicating the management of both diseases due to the difficulty of access to control and treatment and the worsening of socioeconomic inequalities. It is necessary to establish a bidirectional screening for TB and DM and promote recommendations for the joint management of both diseases.

Keywords: Diabetes; Factores de riesgo; Incidence; Incidencia; Progresión; Progression; Risk factors; Tuberculosis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19*
  • Diabetes Mellitus* / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Pandemics
  • Risk Factors
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Syndemic
  • Tuberculosis* / complications
  • Tuberculosis* / diagnosis
  • Tuberculosis* / epidemiology