Prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus amongst Tuberculosis Patients Accessing Care at Model Healthcare Facility in Rivers State of Nigeria

Background: Tuberculosis is a global issue including diabetes particularly the Sub Sahara regions. Mono infection of either of the two is burdensome nonetheless a huge burden is experienced in a comorbid state even death. There is paucity of data about the co-existence of these diseases in this region although, much have been documented on Tuberculosis and Diabetes singly. The study ascertained the prevalence of diabetes mellitus among tuberculosis patients in Obio /Akpor local government area of Rivers State, Nigeria.

Methods: This Cross-sectional survey used purposive sampling technique. 282 pulmonary tuberculosis samples were collected and analyzed for glucose, comprising of 158 females and 124 males. The population for this study was tuberculosis patients hence only tuberculosis patients were included while none tuberculosis patients excluded from the study. Written and Informed consent was obtained from each participant. Laboratory procedure involved the collection of fasting blood Samples collected from patients following the laboratory standard quality procedure. Statistical Package for Social Science software version 21 was used to estimate frequency and percentage including prevalence rates.

Results: Glucose estimation showed; 170 normal glucose level (93females and 77 males). With 45 known diabetics (28 females and 17 males), 29 newly diagnosed diabetes (15 were males and 14 females) and 38 prediabetics (23females and 15 males). The overall prevalence of diabetes mellitus amongst Tuberculosis was 112 (39.72%) including prediabetics subjects. About 65 (58%) were females and 47 (42%) were males. Also, the most affected ages were between 31 to 50 years (21.98%); likewise, females were mostly affected 65 (23.05%).

Conclusion: There is a growing prevalence of diabetes mellitus amongst Tuberculosis patients. Glucose estimation should form part of the routine investigations for Tuberculosis patients. Investigation should be done to ascertain the interaction between Tuberculosis and Diabetes comorbidity.