Helicobacter pylori Seropositivity in Nigerians with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Background: Data on the relationship between H. pylori infection and diabetes mellitus are scarce and discordant. Objective: A case-control study has been conducted to investigate the relationship between infection with Helicobacter pylori and type 2 diabetes mellitus in Abakaliki, south eastern Nigeria; a region with high H. pylori endemicity. Materials & Methods: The study population comprised 60 type 2 diabetics (32 males and 28 females) and 60 non-diabetics (27 males and 33 females) aged 29 to 72 years. Hematological and biochemical parameters were determined using standard techniques while Helicobacter pylori detection in serum was done by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the identification of immunoglobulin G. Results: There was no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) in the prevalence of H. pylori infection and dyspeptic symptoms between diabetics and non-diabetics. Although H. pylori-infected diabetics were significantly older (63.71 vs. 51.95 years; p = 0.00) and had significantly lower fasting plasma glucose (7.96 vs. 11.58 mmol/l; p = 0.01) than the non-infected diabetics, the two groups had comparable hematological and biochemical parameters. Conclusion: H. pylori seropositivity and dyspeptic symptoms were similar in type 2 diabetics and non-diabetics, although H. pylori infection when present in diabetics appears to influence glycaemic status, the mechanism of which remains largely unknown.