High seroprevalence ofHelicobacter pylori in diabetes mellitus patients

To assess the prevalence ofHelicobacter pylori in diabetes mellitus, a serological test was used to detect antibodies toH. pylori in patients with diabetes mellitus. Within six months, 45 insulin-dependent, 98 non-insulin-dependent, and a control group of 159 outpatients were enrolled in this study. The age adjusted seroprevalence rates ofHelicobacter pylori were determined using a commercial anti-Helicobacter pylori IgG and IgA ELISA (Bio-Rad). The prevalence rates increased with age in all age groups until 60–70 years. In diabetic patients, the frequency ofHelicobacter pylori infection was higher than in control subjects in nearly all age groups, reaching significance in three age categories for NIDDM patients and in one age category in IDDM patients. This higher seroprevalence could not be explained by differences in socioeconomic status or use of antibiotics.This work was supported by Glaxo BV, The Netherlands.Address for reprint requests: University Hospital Utrecht, Department of Gastroenterology, Room F2.618, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands.