Aim

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may have a bidirectional association in clinical practice, and both diseases have caused considerable damage to the burden of health care and even hindered the economic development of the society. We sought to discover the risk factors for DM in patients with GERD.

Methods

The research data was collected from the database of the health management center at a medical center in Southern Taiwan as a retrospective cross-sectional research from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2018. We used logistic regression to analyze the related factors for DM in patients with GERD.

Results

Of the 5578 patients with GERD, 739 had DM. The statistically significant risk factors for DM in GERD were gender, age, body mass index, waistline, betel quid chewing habit, lack of exercise habit, and family history of DM.

Conclusion

We conclude that DM in patients with GERD should have regular physical examinations that include a thorough patient history, appropriate laboratory tests, and possible endoscopy. We also suggest that patients with either DM or GERD should be evaluated and treated immediately if they have symptoms, including regular physical examinations and lifestyle interventions, to improve health-related quality of life.