Is Diabetes a Risk Factor for Peptic Ulcer Bleeding?

Findings of a new nationwide population-based cohort study suggest diabetes patients may be at a higher risk of developing peptic ulcer bleeding…. 

According to several reports, patients with diabetes tend to experience a higher occurrence of peptic ulcer disease (PUD). Peng et al. conducted a study to determine whether type 2 diabetes patients had a higher risk of developing peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB) and what factors might be putting this population at risk in the first place.

The National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan was used to conduct the study and it included "5699 type 2 diabetic patients and 11,226 age- and sex-matched non-diabetic patients in a 1:2 ratio."

After a 7-year follow-up, patients with type 2 diabetes displayed a significantly increased cumulative hazard of PUB when compared to the control group. Furthermore, diabetes was independently associated with increased risk of PUB after adjustment of patient demographics, such as age, sex, and comorbidities. According to the researchers, "age, chronic renal disease, history of peptic ulcer disease, and use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were risk factors for PUB in diabetic patients." In conclusion, type 2 diabetes may be considered an independent risk factor for PUB.

Peng et al. Diabetes Is an Independent Risk Factor for Peptic Ulcer Bleeding.J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2013;28(8):1295-1299.