Although India has achieved significant reduction in prevalence of leprosy since the
mid-1980s, pockets of high endemicity and ongoing transmission still persist.[1]
[2] The central Indian state of Chhattisgarh, in particular, shows high leprosy rates
with prevalence (2.52 per 10,000 population) and annual case detection rates (ANCDR)
(43.69 per 100,000 population) approximately four times the national average. With
a population of just 2.17% of India's population, Chhattisgarh accounts for 8.24%
of case load and 9.31% of new cases. Highest ANCDRs are reported from the districts
of Raigarh (108.15) and Mahasamund (91.83). Several other districts also report ANCDR
of more than 50. Of particular concern is the high grade 2 disability rate of 5 to
15% among new cases reported from the state that indicates presence of hidden cases
in community and delay in diagnosis.[1] Thus the actual number of cases in the community is expected to be much higher.
Also, a significant number of leprosy patients are managed by dermatologists who do
not report to the government agencies and are thus not accounted for.[2]
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global health issue that also shows high prevalence among
Indians. In areas with high leprosy prevalence, DM and leprosy are often found to
coexist in the same patient. DM and leprosy can interact with each other in a number
of ways, as follows:
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Patients with leprosy were found to have higher insulin resistance and greater prevalence
of prediabetes and DM compared with controls. This may be attributable to a number
of factors such as fever, malnutrition, inactivity, and proinflammatory cytokines
(e.g., tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α). Fatty acid transporter protein expressed by
Mycobacterium also contributes to dysregulation of energy homeostasis and predisposition to DM.
Thus, patients with leprosy should be screened for the presence of DM. Treatment of
leprosy was shown to be associated with improvement in glycemic control.[3]
[4]
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Lepra reactions (types 1 and 2) are immunologically mediated inflammatory states that
frequently affect patients with leprosy. Lepra reactions often require therapy with
systemic glucocorticoids that can predispose to steroid-induced DM or worsen glycemic
control in DM.[5] Frequent monitoring of glucose levels is important in these patients.
-
The cellular immune response to Mycobacterium leprae is impaired in DM. Additionally, leprosy-associated wounds are predisposed
to bacterial infections.[3] Thus coexistent DM complicates the management of leprosy.
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Both DM and leprosy are important causes of peripheral neuropathy and can lead to
similar long-term sequelae such as neuropathic pain, chronic ulcers, Charcot's osteoarthropathy,
and deformities.[5]
[6]
[7]
[8] Peripheral neuropathy caused by leprosy may be misdiagnosed as a complication of
DM. The resultant delay in diagnosis of leprosy may lead to development of severe
deformities.[6] Hence, it is important to consider the diagnosis of leprosy in a patient from leprosy
endemic area presenting with neuropathy, even if DM is present.[6]
[8] Early diagnosis and treatment of leprosy can prevent disabilities.[3]
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Muscle weakness and deformities associated with leprosy impair dexterity and may interfere
with the patient's ability to perform DM self-care tasks, such as glucose monitoring
and insulin administration.[5]
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Rifampicin used in therapy of leprosy shows important drug interactions with certain
antihyperglycemic agents. Rifampicin interacts with some sulfonylureas (e.g., glibenclamide)
and pioglitazone via the cytochrome P450 system and affects glycemic control. Blood
glucose levels should be closely monitored and drug dose adjustment made in patients
receiving these drugs.[8]
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Given the common morbidity sequelae of the two conditions, combined clinics providing
integrated services for neuropathy-associated complications of the two conditions
may improve outcomes in areas where leprosy is prevalent.[7] Such clinics may promote detection of hidden cases of leprosy and reduction in stigma
associated with leprosy.
