Tuberculosis in Eritrea

A cross-sectional study investigated how common diabetes mellitus is among tuberculosis patients in the Maekel region of Eritrea and what factors are associated with having both conditions. The researchers found that nearly one in ten TB patients also had diabetes, and a significant number of these cases were only diagnosed during routine TB care. This suggests that many patients might otherwise go untreated for diabetes, emphasizing the value of integrated screening.

Older age and higher BMI were strongly associated with having diabetes. Patients aged 55 and older were seven times more likely to have diabetes compared to those aged 15–24. Likewise, having a normal BMI, as opposed to being underweight, doubled the likelihood of having diabetes. These findings underline the need to prioritize these risk factors when designing interventions.

Interestingly, factors such as gender, HIV status, place of residence, and TB type did not significantly affect diabetes prevalence. This supports the idea that metabolic health—particularly age and weight—is a stronger predictor than infectious disease or demographic location.

The study's methodology was appropriate for the goal of assessing prevalence and risk factors, although it cannot determine causality. Nevertheless, its insights are valuable for policy and program planning.

Overall, the study supports expanding and strengthening bi-directional screening programs in TB clinics, especially in urban health centers where most services are concentrated. A focus on older adults and those with higher BMI could yield substantial public health benefits.

Source: Araia, Z.Z., Mesfin, A.B., Mebrahtu, A.H., Tewelde, A.G., Osman, R. and Tuumzghi, H.A., 2021. Diabetes mellitus and its associated factors in tuberculosis patients in maekel region, eritrea: analytical cross-sectional study. Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity, pp.515-523.