Association of H. pylori Infection with Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Syndrome Among Lebanese Adults

Background Several epidemiological studies proposed an association between Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori) infection with insulin resistance (IR) and metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, up to date there is no conclusive evidence regarding this association. Objectives To investigate the prevalence and correlates of H. pylori infection among Lebanese adults and to evaluate its association with IR and MetS. Materials and Methods Stored blood samples of adults participating in the national Nutrition and Non‐Communicable Diseases Risk factors survey conducted in Lebanon were used for this study (n = 308). H. pylori‐specific immunoglobulin G antibody titers were measured by ELISA. Data available included, in addition to anthropometric measurements, sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics, blood pressure, and biochemical indices (serum insulin, HDL, LDL, TAG, glucose). A HOMA –IR level was used to assess insulin resistance. The International Diabetes Federation criteria were used to classify study participants with MetS. Results The prevalence of H. pylori infection in the study sample was 52% (95% CI, 46.43–57.57). A higher crowding index was associated with a 50% increase in the odds of infection (OR, 1.41; CI, 1.08–2.27). Blood pressure, waist circumference, serum HDL, LDL, TAG, and glucose levels were comparable between H. pylori positive and negative subjects. The odds of IR and MetS were not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusion Prevalence of H. pylori infection in Lebanon is comparable to other developing countries. Furthermore, our findings suggested no association of H. pylori infection with IR or MetS. Eradication of H. pylori infection to prevent IR or MetS is not warranted.