A groundbreaking study presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) 2025 Annual Meeting and published in Diagnostics reveals that immunity induced by hepatitis B (HBV) vaccination is linked to a significantly lower risk of developing diabetes.
This effect is particularly notable in individuals with higher antibody levels and younger age groups.
HBV infection may disrupt liver functions critical to glucose homeostasis, thereby increasing the risk of diabetes. This has led researchers to question whether HBV vaccination, which prevents HBV infection, might also offer protection against diabetes.
The study, led by Dr. Nhu-Quynh Phan and supervised by Professor Chiehfeng Chen of Taipei Medical University, explores this hypothesis.
Using deidentified electronic medical records from the TriNetX global research network, the team conducted a retrospective cohort study. It included over 890,000 adults (≥18 years) with HBV antibody (HBsAb) test results but no history of HBV infection.
Individuals were grouped based on their HBsAb levels—those with ≥10 mIU/mL were considered vaccinated (immunised), while those with <10 mIU/mL were not (unimmunised).
The HBV-immunised group had a 15% lower overall risk of developing diabetes. A dose-response relationship was observed:
HBsAb ≥100 mIU/mL was linked to a 19% risk reduction
HBsAb ≥1000 mIU/mL was linked to a 43% risk reduction
Age-specific analysis showed a 20% lower risk in individuals aged 18–44, 11% in those aged 45–64, and 12% in those 65 and older.
Interestingly, the protective effect of HBV immunity varied geographically. The United States, despite its advanced healthcare system, showed the smallest benefit. Researchers suggest this might relate to behavioral or systemic differences.
Additionally, individuals who completed vaccination schedules might also engage in healthier behaviors, which could contribute to the observed effects.
The study highlights the dual potential of the HBV vaccine—not only in preventing hepatitis B but also in reducing diabetes risk. Its accessibility and affordability make it a promising intervention, particularly in regions with high burdens of both diseases. Further studies are needed to validate these findings and explore underlying mechanisms.
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The study is published in Diagnostics.
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