Helicobacter pylori infection prevalence: Is it different in diabetics and nondiabetics?

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection plays a significant role in the development of gastrointestinal complications and has a significant role in systemic inflammation. It has some extragastrointestinal manifestations like endocrine diseases. In this study, we aimed to compare the prevalence of HP infection in diabetic and nondiabetic individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 218 nondiabetic and 211 diabetic patients referring to Shahid Beheshti Hospital of Qom between March 2013 and 2014 were studied. The patients were divided into two HP(+) and HP(−) groups based on serological immunoglobulin G antibody against HP and the association between diabetes, and HP infection was evaluated. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests, Chi-square, Fisher's exact and Mann–Whitney tests. RESULTS: The prevalence of HP seropositive was 65.9% versus 50.5% in diabetic and nondiabetics, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed a higher prevalence of HP infection in diabetic patients.