Association between infection with Helicobacter pylori and metabolic syndrome among diabetic patients attending Jimma medical center in Jimma city, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have implicated the role of H. pylori infection in developing the metabolic syndrome. However, findings remain contradictory, and data from developing countries are scarce.

METHODS

We employed a cross-sectional study design to assess the relationship between H. pylori infection and metabolic syndrome among diabetic patients attending Jimma Hospital, Ethiopia. An interviewer-led questionnaire administered to study participants provided information on sociodemographic factors, and medical records were used to obtain medical history information. Metabolic parameters, including plasma glucose, triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), body-mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were collected. H. pylori infection status was assessed using IgG Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISA). The effect of H. pylori infection on metabolic syndrome and metabolic parameters was determined using multivariate linear and logistic regressions.

RESULTS

We found H. pylori infection status was positively but not significantly associated with metabolic syndrome (AOR = 1.507, 95% CI: 0.570-3.981, p = 0.408). When the analysis was restricted to individual metabolic parameters, H. pylori positivity was significantly associated with lower HDL-c and higher SB, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our result confirms that individual metabolic parameters, not an overall metabolic syndrome, are significantly associated with H. pylori infection. Future studies should examine the relationship between H. pylori and metabolic syndrome, considering gastrointestinal conditions such as GERD, GU, and DU.