H elicobacter pylori infection associated with high H b A 1c and type 2 diabetes

Background Although the association between chronic H elicobacter pylori infection and type 2 diabetes has been suggested, findings have been inconsistent. This study evaluated the association between chronic H . pylori infection and glucose regulation. Materials and Methods We evaluated H . pylori infection status of participants recruited from the gastroenterology clinic at our hospital. At baseline, we performed blood tests including fasting plasma glucose, insulin, glycated haemoglobin A 1c ( H b A 1c) and other biochemical measurements. Insulin resistance and beta‐cell function were assessed by homoeostasis model assessment ( HOMA ‐ IR and HOMA ‐B, respectively). Results A total of 2070 participants were recruited. Those who had H . pylori infections had higher serum H b A 1c levels and lower HOMA ‐B than those who did not (5·78% vs. 5·69%, P  = 0·01 and 53·85 + 38·43 vs. 60·64 + 43·40, P  = 0·009, respectively). They also had a significantly higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes (8·97% vs. 5·57%, P  = 0·02). Chronic H . pylori infection was significantly associated with high levels of H b A 1c and type 2 diabetes in participants above 65 years old ( P  = 0·001) and decreased insulin secretion and sensitivity in those under 45 years ( P  = 0·05). Conclusions Long‐term H . pylori infection is significantly associated with high levels of H b A 1c and decreased insulin secretion in this C hinese population. Proper screening for H . pylori infection combined with regular monitoring of blood glucose and H b A 1c levels might be effective for the early detection of glucose dysregulation and prevention of type 2 diabetes.