Helicobacter pylori infection is not associated with elevated HBA1c in patients with diabetes mellitus

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is the most widespread infection in the world: its approximate prevalence is 60–70%. The frequency of diabetes mellitus (DM) shows a rising tendency all over the world, thus in Hungary too.

Gastrointestinal symptoms can be found in both disorders. Accidentally combined appearances are probable too, therefore further examinations are advisable. The literature data on the subject are contradictory.

Aims: Evaluation the prevalence of H. pylori in diabetic patients with normal (group I) or high (group II) HBA(1c) values.

Materials and Methods: 228 DM patient (108 men, 120 women, average age 43 years) were examined in the Gastrointestinal Department of the Uzsoki Country Hospital. The glycaemic status was marked by HBA(1c), the H. pylori infection was assessed by the presence of antibodies.

Result: In group I [-64 pts-(HBA(1c) ≤6,1)] 45 (70%) patients were H. pylori positive and 19 (30%) negative. In group II [-164 pts-(HBA(1c) >6,1)] 107 patients (65%) were H. pylori positive and 45 (35%) negative. There was no significant difference (p=0.595).

Conclusion: H. pylori prevalence is not higher in DM patients with high HBA(1c), than with normal HBA(1c). Diabetes seems not to be a risk factor for H. pylori infection.