Maharashtra finds over 9,000 people with both diabetes and TB

Pune: The state's anti-tuberculosis cell has detected some 9,780 patients with both diabetes and tuberculosis. The detections are important as diabetes increases risk of developing TB and can worsen outcomes in patients. TB, in turn, can disturb sugar control in diabetics.

These 9,000 patients - all detected during a statewide TB drive held between January 1 and September 30 - will now be offered special care to ensure they're able to fight both the conditions, officials said.

Overall, the special drive detected 1.67 lakh patients. From this number, 1,50,107 were also tested for diabetes.

Mumbai reported the highest number of overall TB cases in the state during the drive - 42,263 out of 1.67 lakh (25%). And out of the 9,780 diabetic TB patients, the state capital reported 3,227 cases.

The special drive is still ongoing in some parts of the state. Dr Ramji Adkekar, joint director (TB), Health Services, Maharashtra, the drive ultimately aims to screen 8.66 crore people for TB or TB-like symptoms.

He said, "Our teams are going door to door to detect signs of tuberculosis and also symptoms of leprosy. For the TB screenings, teams are asking citizens questions regarding symptoms. For instance, samples are collected of those who have had persistent cough for more than a week. If they test positive, follow-up treatment is started as soon as possible." The state offers free treatment for all tuberculosis patients. Dr Adkekar said the state has also started a programme that allows NGOs, charities, companies and even individual citizens to financially support TB patients.

"The medicines for both diabetes and TB are being provided by the government. The support programme will ensure these patients are able to get a balanced and nutritious diet," he said.