Association between blood glucose control and risk factors of latent tuberculosis in the population with diabetes: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2012

Background: Diabetes has been conferred an increased risk of latent tuberculosis infection. However, the level of blood glucose control and associated risk factors for latent tuberculosis infection in diabetes population is poorly understood. This study aimed to determine the relationship between blood glucose control and the risk factors for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM) using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey datasets. Methods The association between blood glucose control and LTBI in patients with DM were investigated with logistic regression analysis. Additionally, covariates such as gender, age, education level, and ethnicity were also included in the analysis. Results A total of 2489 patients were included in this study, of which 76.3% were Non-Hispanic White, Black and Asia. 231 participants were positive with LTBI. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that the poor blood glucose control exhibited a 150% greater risk of LTBI in DM population. Besides, female gender in DM population would less likely occurring LTBI in DM population (AOR: 0.71, 95%CI: 0.55–0.91, P = 0.006). Meanwhile, with age increased, the risk of LTBI gradually raised. Comparing to patients aged 18 to 45 years old, the prevalence of LTBI in elderly more than 70 years old was much higher (AOR: 3.16, 95%CI: 2.11–4.74, P < 0.001). Furthermore, the ethnicity was also associated with LTBI in DM population. Non-Hispanic White and Black population with DM were less likely developing LTBI. Conclusions The findings of this study highlight the association between poor blood glucose control and the prevalence of LTBI in patients with DM. Furthermore, male, aging, and ethnicity were independent risk factors for LTBI in the DM population.