This paper explores the underlying molecular foundations of type 2 diabetes (T2D) as a major risk factor for the development of tuberculosis (TB).
NMR metabolomics was used to determine 225 lipid and other metabolic intermediates in plasma samples of healthy controls (n = 50) and patients with TB (n = 50), T2D (n = 50) or T2D-TB (n = 27). Results found that T2D-TB patients possess a distinctive plasma lipid profile with pro-atherogenic properties. These findings support further research on the benefits of improved blood lipid control in the treatment of TB-DM.