Assessment of oral glucose tolerance in pulmonary tuberculosis patients: A cross-sectional study on the association between tuberculosis and glucose metabolism disturbances
Author(s): V Suresh and Sankar Reddy
Abstract: Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health challenge, particularly in regions with a high burden of infectious and non-communicable diseases. The association between TB and glucose metabolism disorders, including impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and diabetes mellitus (DM), is well-documented but requires further investigation to improve patient management strategies. This study aimed to assess the clinical profile of oral glucose tolerance in pulmonary TB patients and analyze its correlation with disease severity, radiological findings, and demographic parameters.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 newly diagnosed pulmonary TB patients. Patients underwent sputum acid-fast bacilli (AFB) testing, chest X-rays, and oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT). Glucose tolerance was classified according to WHO guidelines into normal, IGT, impaired fasting glycemia (IFG), and diabetes mellitus. Data on age distribution, clinical symptoms, radiological findings, and glucose tolerance status were analyzed.
Results: The highest prevalence of TB was observed in the 51-60 years (33.33%) and 41-50 years (29.33%) age groups. Fever (69.33%), cough (68%), and sputum production (68%) were the most common symptoms. Chest X-ray findings revealed that 47% of patients had infiltration, while 14% had cavitatory lesions, 16% had fibrotic changes, and 23% had normal findings. The OGTT results showed that 20% of TB patients had impaired glucose tolerance, with 4% diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. Among patients with pulmonary infiltration, 10% had impaired glucose tolerance, suggesting a possible link between TB severity and metabolic disturbances. No statistically significant association was found between age, gender, or radiological findings and the presence of diabetes mellitus.
Conclusion: This study highlights a notable prevalence of glucose metabolism disturbances in TB patients, reinforcing the need for routine glucose screening and integrated TB-DM management strategies. Although some glucose intolerance cases may resolve post-TB treatment, a subset of patients may develop persistent hyperglycemia, increasing the risk of diabetes. The integration of diabetes screening in TB management protocols is essential for early intervention and better patient outcomes. Future research should focus on the long-term metabolic impact of TB treatment and potential interventions to mitigate diabetes risk among TB patients.
DOI: 10.22271/27069567.2021.v3.i2i.601Pages: 661-667 | Views: 40 | Downloads: 16Download Full Article: Click Here
How to cite this article:
V Suresh, Sankar Reddy.
Assessment of oral glucose tolerance in pulmonary tuberculosis patients: A cross-sectional study on the association between tuberculosis and glucose metabolism disturbances. Int J Adv Res Med 2021;3(2):661-667. DOI:
10.22271/27069567.2021.v3.i2i.601