HBV vaccination lowers diabetes risk
Hepatitis B virus also has been studied in relationship to the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. However, the reasons for this are not as well understood. The good news is that an analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey indicated that people vaccinated for hepatitis B had a 50% reduction in risk for diabetes compared to those not vaccinated. The reduced risk continued even after adjusting for Type 2 diabetes risk factors such as age, obesity, and smoking, according to City of Hope National Medical Center in California.
The CDC and Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) guidelines call for hepatitis B vaccination for all unvaccinated adults with diabetes who are under age 60. For those age 60 and older, talk to your doctor about whether the vaccine is right for your specific circumstances. Currently, there is no vaccine available for HCV.
