Association between tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus in primary health

Abstract

Introduction. In October 2018, the strategy of comprehensive care for patients with tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus began in 6 community family health units in the metropolitan region, a strategy that provides comprehensive care for patients with these diseases.

Objective. Establish the association between tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus, in establishments that have implemented the comprehensive care plan for tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus.

Methodology. This study is an analytical cross-section where 12 new cases with tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus, older than 10 years, with no other risk factor were studied. Results. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus in cases of tuberculosis in the establishments where the plan has been implemented is higher than in the general population of El Salvador (p = 0.02). There is no significant difference between the prevalence obtained in the establishments where the plan has been implemented and the results at the national level for both sexes (female 0.09 and male 0.07). The probability of suffering from tuberculosis among diabetics is 11.4.

Conclusions. The association of diabetes mellitus and tuberculosis is greater in the establishments where the comprehensive care plan for tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus has been implemented in comparison to the general population. The probability of getting tuberculosis in diabetics is higher than in non-diabetics.