Background: The treatment of tuberculosis (TB) with category I regimen of the Revised National Tuberculosis Control
Programme (RNTCP) for patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) needs evaluation.
Objective: To assess the cure and relapse rates in 3 years, among the new smear-positive TB patients with Type-2 DM
(DMTB) treated with CAT-I regimen (2E3H3R3Z3/4R3H3) of RNTCP.
Methodology: TB suspects attending the diabetology units and the TB research centre (TRC) Chennai, were investigated.
Eligible DMTB cases were enrolled. Baseline estimation of cardiac, renal, liver function tests and glycosylated-HBA1c
were undertaken. All patients received 2E3H3R3Z3/4R3H3 under supervision at TRC. Clinical and sputum (smear and
culture) examinations and monitoring of diabetic status were undertaken every month up to 24 months, then once in 3
months up to 36 months.
Results: Of 100 patients admitted, 7 were excluded for various reasons from analysis. Of 93 patients, 87 (94%) had a
favourable response at the end of treatment. Pre and post treatment mean glycosylated-HBA1c were 9.7% and 8.4
%.(>7% poor control). During follow-up period, 6 died and one lost to follow-up. Of the remaining, four relapsed.
Conclusion: Category-I regimen, recommended for all the new smear-positive patients in the Indian TB programme, is
effective in the treatment of DMTB patients, despite poor control of diabetes
