[Changes in carbohydrate metabolism in patients with tuberculosis]

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Pulmonology
• Metabolic Research

Background:

• Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is a significant global health challenge.
• The relationship between PTB and metabolic dysfunction, particularly diabetes mellitus, is increasingly recognized.
• Understanding the pancreatic incretory function in PTB is crucial for managing comorbidities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the function of the pancreatic incretory apparatus in patients with primary active pulmonary tuberculosis.
• To analyze blood glucose, immunoreactive insulin, and C-peptide levels in response to glucagon stimulation.
• To assess the impact of prednisolone therapy on pancreatic function in these patients.

Main Methods:

• Studied 51 patients with primary active pulmonary tuberculosis.
• Analyzed blood levels of immunoreactive insulin, C-peptide, and glucose.
• Performed glucagon stimulation tests before and after therapy.

Main Results:

• Observed pronounced enhanced insulin secretion.
• Identified signs of relative insulin deficiency, including persistent hyperglycemia and delayed insulin/C-peptide peaks.
• Prednisolone therapy temporarily worsened relative insulin deficiency.

Conclusions:

• Patients with PTB exhibit a complex pancreatic response with both hypersecretion and relative insulin deficiency.
• Decreased functional reserves of the pancreatic insular apparatus may contribute to severe diabetes development in PTB.
• Disease duration appears to influence the risk of developing diabetes mellitus in PTB patients.