A RECENT study has unveiled a troubling connection between heavy alcohol consumption and an increased risk of developing tuberculosis (TB) in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). This nationwide retrospective cohort study, conducted in South Korea, highlights how drinking habits can significantly impact the health of people already grappling with diabetes.
The research examined over 2.4 million individuals with T2DM who participated in national health examinations between 2009 and 2012. Over nearly a decade of follow-up, more than 21,000 participants developed TB, shedding light on the interplay between alcohol use, diabetes, and this infectious disease.
While mild-to-moderate alcohol consumption (1–29.9 g/day) was linked to a slightly reduced risk of TB, heavy drinking (≥30 g/day) painted a starkly different picture. Patients consuming 30 grams or more of alcohol daily faced a 21% increased risk of developing TB compared to non-drinkers. The danger escalated further as alcohol intake climbed, with a sharp rise in TB risk observed at 20 grams per day or more.
The study also found that current smokers amplified their risk of TB, even when consuming alcohol in mild-to-moderate amounts. This finding underscores how lifestyle factors can compound the vulnerabilities faced by diabetes patients, particularly in managing their immune health.
These results illuminate the critical need for public health efforts to address heavy drinking habits among individuals with T2DM, particularly in TB-endemic regions. Beyond its established effects on blood sugar and overall health, excessive alcohol consumption appears to weaken defenses against serious infections like TB.
This study highlights the need for healthcare professionals to address heavy alcohol consumption as a modifiable risk factor in patients with type 2 diabetes, given its potential to exacerbate diabetes-related complications and significantly increase susceptibility to severe infections such as tuberculosis.
Reference
Chung C et al. Association between alcohol consumption and risk of developing tuberculosis in patients with diabetes: a nationwide retrospective cohort study. Respir Res. 2024;DOI: 10.1186/s12931-024-03047-y.
