People who have a high BMI as well as the presence of the bacteria called H. pylori -- a known cause of ulcers – are significantly more likely to have a marker of impaired glucose intolerance than other people are. Researchers suggest that this may mean that the "ulcer bug," which usually strikes during childhood and remains in the system although often asymptomatic, may play a part in the development of type 2 diabetes.
Yu Chen, PhD, and Martin Blaser, MD of New York University School of Medicine reported their findings in the April 15th issue of theJournal of Infectious Diseases. They did a cross-sectional analysis of two cohorts from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys from 1988 to 1994 and 1999 to 2000, the only data on the topic available.
According to MedPageToday, Dani Cohen, PhD of Tel Aviv University and Khitam Muhsen, PhD of the University of Maryland School of Medicine commented that the Chen/Blaser findings "could have important clinical and public health implications." In an editorial accompanying the journal article, they suggest that people withH. pyloricolonization and a higher body mass index -- even if they have no symptoms -- may need treatment to prevent or control diabetes.
Free Diabetic Recipe Book
Get your free meal guide and recipe booklet today, packed with more than 60 recipes to help you or your loved ones better manage diabetes symptoms.
Click here to get yours!
