Analysis of risk factors for latent tuberculosis infection among type 2 diabetics: a hospital-based multicenter cross-sectional study

Introduction Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) increases the incidence of active tuberculosis (TB). This study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among T2DM in Shenzhen, China. Methods A total of 1,363 patients with T2DM and no prior history of TB were enrolled from three tertiary general hospitals. The interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) was conducted to assess LTBI. Simple and multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify the risk factors related with LTBI among type 2 diabetics. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) between T2DM and LTBI were estimated using multiple logistic regression, which also corrected for possible covariates. Results The prevalence of LTBI among type 2 diabetics was 63.7%. No notable differences were observed in socio-demographic characteristics between LTBI and non-LTBI subjects. Identified risk factors for LTBI included higher education levels, living with a relative with TB, an HbA1c level above 7%, and a hemoglobin level exceeding 14 g/dL. Discussion More than half of patients with T2DM are affected by LTBI. Specific environmental exposures and poor glycemic control—evidenced by glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels exceeding 7% and hemoglobin levels above 14 g/dL—have been recognized as significant risk factors for LTBI in type 2 diabetics.