Author/Authors :
Fwoloshi, Sombo Adult Infectious Diseases Center of Excellence - Department of Medicine - University Teaching Hospital - University of Zambia School of Medicine, Zambia , Hachaambwa, Lottie M Department of Infectious Diseases - University of Maryland, USA , Chiyeñu, Kaseya O Department of Medicine - Livingstone Central Hospital, Zambia , Chirwa, Lameck Adult Infectious Diseases Center of Excellence - Department of Medicine - University Teaching Hospital - University of Zambia School of Medicine, Zambia , Hoffman, Thijs W Adult Infectious Diseases Center of Excellence - Department of Medicine - University Teaching Hospital - University of Zambia School of Medicine, Zambia , Ngalamika, Owen Dermatology and Venereology Section - University Teaching Hospital - University of Zambia School of Medicine, Lusaka, Zambia , Bailey, Sarah Lou TB Centre and Department of Clinical Research - London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK
Abstract :
Background
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is known to be associated with active tuberculosis (TB). Zambia is a low-income sub-Saharan African country with a high TB burden and increasing numbers of newly diagnosed DM patients.
Materials and Methods
This was an observational study conducted at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia, from October 2014 to February 2016. Adult patients with active TB were screened for DM.
Results
A total of 127 individuals were enrolled in the study. Six patients (5%) were found to have diabetes. Of these, three had a prior diagnosis of diabetes and were on medication while three were newly diagnosed. Low education level was significantly associated with DM (p=0.001; 95% CI 0.001–0.148).
Conclusion
The prevalence of DM among individuals with smear positive TB in our study population was similar to that of the general population in Zambia.
