Metformin and tuberculosis: extraordinary stories of ordinary co-prevalent patients

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a major global health issue, causing millions of deaths annually [1]. The increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) worldwide complicates the treatment of TB [2,3]. TB patients with diabetes mellitus (TBDM) are at increased risk for treatment failure and mortality [4]. In this context, host-directed therapy has emerged as a potential way to improve TB outcomes, with the common antidiabetic medication metformin being a focal point [5]. A recent study titled "Relationship between metformin use and mortality in tuberculosis patients with diabetes: a nationwide cohort study" explores the impact of metformin on mortality in patients with both TB and DM [6]. Together, TB and DM pose a significant threat to health, have gained attention.