Helicobacter pylori eradication rate and glycemic control in young patients with type 1 diabetes

OBJECTIVES: Eradication of Helicobacter pylori is more difficult in adult patients with diabetes than in patients with dyspepsia. It has also been suggested that eradication of H. pylori in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus improves their metabolic control. The aim of the current study was to assess the eradication rate of a standard triple therapy and its effects on glycemic control in young patients with type 1 diabetes. METHODS: The authors enrolled 29 type 1 diabetic patients with H. pylori, 29 type 1 diabetic patients without H. pylori, and 29 dyspeptic children with H. pylori. Groups were matched for gender and age and had similar geographical origin and socioeconomic status. H.pylori status was investigated before and 6 weeks after therapy by C-urea breath test. All enrolled patients with H. pylori were prescribed a standard triple therapy for eradicating H. pylori. Glycosylated hemoglobin A and daily insulin requirement were evaluated at enrollment and 6 months later in all patients with diabetes. The prevalence of the most common gastrointestinal symptoms also was investigated by means of a questionnaire in all subjects at enrollment and 6 months later. RESULTS: Eradication of H. pylori was similar in patients with diabetes (24/29) and those with dyspepsia (23/29) (83%v 79%; P = NS). No difference in metabolic control was observed before or after antibiotic treatment in the patients who experienced H. pylori eradication. No difference in glycemic control was observed after 6 months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The eradication rate of H. pylori infection was similar for young patients with type 1 diabetes and those with dyspepsia and did not improve metabolic control in a short-term follow-up.