Prevalence of <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> Infection in Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Patients with Dyspepsia

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori is one of the most widespread chronic bacterial infections worldwide and plays a significant role in the development of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, mucosa- associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma and gastric malignancy. Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus frequently exhibit gastrointestinal disturbances due to autonomic neuropathy, delayed gastric emptying, altered gastric acidity and impaired innate immunity, all of which may increase their susceptibility to H. pylori infection. This cross-sectional study aimed to compare the prevalence of H. pylori infection between diabetic and non-diabetic patients presenting with dyspepsia. A total of 204 dyspeptic patients were evaluated, consisting of 102 diabetics and 102 non-diabetics. All individuals underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy followed by Rapid Urease Testing and histopathological examination of antral and body biopsies. H. pylori positivity was defined as the presence of infection by either diagnostic method. The mean age of the diabetic group was 49 years, while that of the non-diabetic group was 42 years, with males outnumbering females in both groups. The prevalence of H. pylori infection was significantly higher in diabetics (69.6%) compared to non- diabetics (32.3%). Diabetic patients also exhibited a higher mean HbA1c level of 8.9%, and those with higher HbA1c values demonstrated a greater likelihood of H. pylori positivity. Logistic regression confirmed diabetes and higher HbA1c as independent predictors of infection. The study concludes that H. pylori infection is considerably more prevalent among diabetic individuals, particularly those with poor glycemic control, and routine screening may be beneficial in diabetic patients presenting with persistent upper gastrointestinal symptoms.