Type 1 Diabetes and Helicobacter pylori in 10-Years-Old Girl: Clinical Case Report

Background: Diabetes is one of the most widespread metabolic diseases worldwide and is responsible for approximately 4 million deaths per year in 2010. The global prevalence among adults was estimated at 4.6% affecting around 285 million people. This number rose to 371 million in 2012 and is projected to reach 552 million by 2030. Among the various factors that may influence the incidence of diabetes, infection with Helicobacter pylori has been increasingly studied for its potential role. This bacterium, well-known for causing gastritis and ulcers, may also impact metabolism and blood glucose regulation. The role of Helicobacter pylori infection in the development of gastroduodenal diseases is well established. Over the past two decades, the literature has suggested a possible involvement of the bacterium in extra-digestive diseases. Several studies have reported a higher prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in diabetic patients, with or without dyspeptic symptoms, and a positive association with insulin resistance. However, the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus is multifactorial, making it challenging to determine the specific role of each contributing factor. Methods: This is a descriptive observational descriptive study of a special case discovered during a pediatric consultation at the hospital saint joseph of Kinshasa. Its presentation as a case not yet encountered at the Saint Joseph Hospital makes its publication valuable. Result: It was a 10-year-old girl who was brought in by her parents for epigastric burning pain occurring long after meals and sometimes relieved by drinking large amounts of cold water associated with episode of nausea, belching and acid regurgitation. Physical examination revealed a polyuria-polydipsia syndrome and blood tests showed; normal complete blood count (CBC), random blood glucose; 382 mg/dl, Glycated hemoglobin 12.5%, urine dipstick; ketonuria , glycosuria , no nitrite, no leukocytes, no protein, blood gas analysis: pH 7.39 and HCO₃^- : 21.3 mmol/l. Diabetes immunological markers were positive (anti-GAD et IA2) and Helicobacter pylori antigen test was also positive. Conclusion: Diabetic The clinical case described is an entity that has been rarely studied in children and remains a major subject of research in other regions. Some studies have concluded that there is a high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in children and the authors also observed a positive correlation between the infection and HbA1C levels suggesting a potential impact on glycemic control as described by Bazmamoun et al. in 2026.