Screening of Tuberculosis patients for possible diabetes mellitus in India: a systematic review

Janmejaya Samal

Egyptian Journal of Bronchology 2017 11(1):1-6

Background Tuberculosis (TB) and diabetes mellitus (DM) are both the greatest public health problems in the world. Although India ranks fourth in TB burden, the incidence of diabetes in the country is also rising. The bidirectional association between TB and DM is established by many epidemiological studies elsewhere in the world. Objective The aim of this study was to understand the utility and importance of screening patients with TB for possible DM in Indian settings through systematic literature review. Methodology For the search of articles, PubMed and Google Scholar search engines were primarily used. Few articles were also obtained from the cross-references of the selected articles. Of 108 articles obtained by the end of this search process, eight full-texts articles were finally selected for the purpose of this review. Results Of the eight titles, six articles focused on screening of patients with TB for DM (unidirectional screening), whereas two articles focused on bidirectional screening, that is, screening of patients with TB for DM and vice versa. Of the eight studies obtained, six studies are from South Indian states (Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka), one from West Indian state (Gujarat), and one covers pan-India sample. The prevalence of DM among patients with TB ranged from 2.9% (lowest) to 21.2% (highest). Similarly, the number needed to screen ranged from 16 (lowest) to 40 (highest) as reported by various studies conducted in India. Conclusion Screening of patients with TB for DM is feasible at the level of existing health system without any additional resources as demonstrated by the studies conducted in different parts of India.

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