Evaluation of Helicobacter pylori infection as a predicator of insulin resistance in a sample of Iraqi patients

Abstract

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a Gram-negative, spiral bacterium linked to gastrointestinal issues like gastritis and ulcers. Though often asymptomatic, severe H. pylori infection have been associated with metabolic disturbances, including insulin resistance (IR) and metabolic syndrome (MS). This study aimed to evaluate serum fasting insulin, serum fasting glucose, and HOMA-IR in H. pylori-infected patients and controls, as well as investigate the correlation between H. pylori infection and insulin resistance in a sample of Iraqi patients. Methods: A case-control study was conducted at Al-Imamain Al-Kadhimain Medical City from April 2022 to November 2023, involving 130 subjects divided into three groups: 30 with documented H. pylori infection, 30 with both H. pylori infection and diabetes, and 70 hospital controls. H. pylori presence was assessed using stool rapid kits, while fasting insulin and glucose levels were measured with Mindray Bio-medical equipment. HOMA-IR was calculated using the formula: fasting glucose × fasting insulin / 405. Results: Showed significantly higher fasting insulin levels in cases (14.9±3.7 mIU/L) compared to controls (6.0±5.1 mIU/L), and a substantial difference in HOMA-IR values (3.4±0.9 in cases vs. 1.4±1.3 in controls), indicating elevated insulin resistance in H. pylori-infected individuals. Conclusion: That H. pylori infection is significantly associated with increased insulin resistance and could serve as a predictor of insulin resistance in this population.