Helicobacter pylori
A new study by researchers at NYU Langone Medical Center reveals that the presence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria is associated with elevated levels of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), an important biomarker for blood glucose levels and diabetes. The association was even stronger in obese individuals with a higher Body Mass Index (BMI).
WHO SHOULD BE TESTED FOR H. PYLORI?
Select a Product
If you have symptoms — Diagnostic testing for H. pylori infection is recommended if you have chronic stomach pain, nausea, active gastric/duodenal ulcers, or if you have a past history of ulcers.
Although H. pylori infection is the most common cause of ulcers, not all patients with ulcers have H. pylori. Certain medications (eg, aspirin, ibuprofen [Motrin, Advil], naproxen [Aleve]) can also cause peptic ulcers. (See "Patient education: Peptic ulcer disease (Beyond the Basics)".)
Select a Product
If you do not have symptoms — H. pylori testing is usually not recommended if you have no symptoms and no past history of peptic ulcer disease. However, it may be considered for selected people, such as those with a family history or concern about stomach cancer, particularly individuals of Chinese, Korean, Japanese, or Central American descent; these groups have a higher incidence of stomach cancer.

Leave a comment

All comments are moderated before being published