In agreement with previous reports that systemic levels of MMPs increase significantly with the severity of TB disease and that clinical severity of TB is increased by comorbid DM, our current study revealed that TB-DM individuals exhibit significantly higher systemic levels of MMP-1, − 2, − 3, − 7, − 10, − 12 and − 13 compared to TB and healthy individuals. The gene discussed is MMP1; the disease is diabetes mellitus.