2 Dec 2024 • Alcohol consumption influenced the risk of developing tuberculosis (TB) in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Among 2,437,443 individuals followed until December 2018, mild-to-moderate alcohol drinkers (1–29.9 g/day) had a lower risk of TB compared to non-drinkers, with an adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of 0.92.

However, heavy alcohol drinkers (≥30 g/day) had a higher risk, with an aHR of 1.21.

Analysis also indicated that alcohol intake under 5 g/day was linked to the lowest risk of TB, whereas the risk increased with intake above 20 g/day, following a J-shaped curve.

Current smokers, even those with mild-to-moderate alcohol intake, had an elevated TB risk.

These findings suggest that while moderate drinking may reduce TB risk in T2DM patients, heavy drinking significantly increases it, particularly in smokers, emphasizing the need for balanced alcohol consumption in diabetes management.

Source: BMC Respiratory Research Read full story