Perfect Storm: Diabetes and Tuberculosis
With 382 million people affected with diabetes worldwide in 2013 and that number poised to rise to 592 million by 2035, a warning bell is being sounded with respect to the real possibility of a serious co-infection – tuberculosis (TB). Since diabetes is a disease that weakens the immune system, diabetics are 3 times as likely to develop this lung infection. Unfortunately, we have seen this before when the HIV/AIDS epidemic burst on the scene. During that time, we experienced a quadrupling of TB in some African countries. Therefore, we need to be on the lookout for both diabetes and tuberculosis.
As our population ages, grows more sedentary and obese, The incidence of type 2 diabetes will rise. There are links between a Western diet and obesity. As such, as countries around the world have been integrating this into their diets, they have become more at risk. The countries most at risk are China and India who are the leading countries for diabetes and TB sufferers respectively.
Screening Strategy
Clearly, there needs to be a strategy of ‘bi-directional” screening. Certainly, diabetics should test for TB. by the same token, TB sufferers should undergo testing for diabetes. Then, treating both properly is key.
David York Agency recognizes the symptoms of various diseases endemic to the elderly. We are state licensed to provide skilled home health aide services for home healthcare and could assist in managing the total care of your senior loved one. Please call us at 908.373.5300 or visit us on our website to become acquainted with all we offer. Please like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter or LinkedIn.
