Prevalence of GORD (gastro-oesophageal reflux disease) in Type 2 diabetes and a comparison of clinical profiles between diabetic patients with and without GORD.

Aims: To examine the incidence of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and its associated factors in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (Type 2 DM).

Methods: In 859 Type 2 DM outpatients, we conducted a QUEST inquiry and considered those showing a QUEST score of 4 or higher as having GORD. We surveyed clinical variables (physical findings, gender, age, duration of disease, glycated haemoglobin (HbA(1c)), type of oral glucose-lowering agent, presence or absence of insulin therapy, complications, and presence or absence of agents that may be associated with GORD [Ca channel blocker (CCB) anti-platelet agents]) to investigate their association with the onset of GORD.

Results: We analysed 813 subjects, of whom 56.6% were male. The mean age was 63.7 +/- 11.3 years and HbA(1c) 7.2 +/- 1.2%. The incidence of GORD was 29.0% (n = 221). GORD was positively correlated with body weight, body mass index (BMI) and HbA(1c). It was negatively correlated with age, serum creatinine and proportion of patients treated with pioglitazone or CCB. In addition, GORD was more common in females. The incidence of GORD was significantly higher in younger patients.

Conclusions: Previous studies have suggested a relationship of GORD with pioglitazone/CCB. However, the results of this study do not support this; these agents may not induce GORD.