Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia, disturbed lipid metabolism, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Poor glycemic control results in lipid and lipoprotein abnormalities, suggesting that dyslipidemia is secondary to insulin resistance or factors closely related to insulin resistance. Glaciated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is a routinely used marker for long-term glycemic control. This form of hemoglobin is chemically processed through post-translational glycosylation that reflects the plasma glucose concentration during the last two to three months.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on blood samples from 592 cases referred to Dezyani Specialty Clinic, affiliated with the Golestan University of Medical Sciences. In patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and non-diabetic individuals, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), total cholesterol (T-chol), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were measured.
Results: In the study, there were 460 female participants (76.9%) and 132 male participants (23.1%). Among them, 403 (67.4%) were diabetic patients, and 193 (32.4%) were non-diabetic. HbA1c levels were significantly lower in younger individuals than in middle-aged participants (p=0.000). No significant difference was found between middle-aged and older individuals (p>0.121). LDL levels were significantly lower in the young group than in the middle-aged group (p<0.001). Total cholesterol (TC) was also significantly lower in the young group compared to middle-aged and older groups (p<0.001).
Conclusion: HbA1c can be a helpful lipid and glycemic control marker in diabetes.
