Intersecting epidemics Tuberculosis (TB) remains a considerable global public health concern, mainly affecting poor and vulnerable populations. Every year, more than 9 million people fall ill with this infectious disease, and close to 2 million die from it. Diabetes, a chronic metabolic disease that is increasing globally, including in many settings with a high burden of TB, is associated with higher risks of TB and adverse TB treatment outcomes. The increase in the number of people with diabetes may further complicate care and control of TB, especially in the many areas with high burden of both diseases. The purpose of the collaborative framework is to assist policy-makers, public health practitioners and clinicians in understanding how to decrease the joint burden of diabetes and TB. It responds to a growing concern about what collaborative activities should be implemented and under what circumstances. The framework is complementary to and in synergy with the established core activities of prevention and care programmes for both diseases.