Significance of HbA1c in Diagnosing and Prognosing Diabetes Related Complications

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus, characterized by chronic hyperglycemia, results in serious complications. The HbA1c assay plays a central role in the diagnosis and monitoring of diabetes. Objective: To evaluate the contribution of HbA1c in the diagnosis and prediction of diabetes complications. Methods: The cohort was conducted at Sir Salimullah Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladeshfrom July 1, 2017, to July 30, 2018, over 96 diabetic patients aged more than 18 years to determine the importance of the HbA1c for diagnosing and predicting diabetic complications such as retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, and cardiovascular complications. HbA1c by HPLC, fasting blood glucose (FBG), postprandial blood glucose (PPBG), lipid profile, and renal/liver tests were conducted every three months for one year.For determining correlation and relation, correlation and regression analysis were done. Results: Average HbA1c was 8.2±1.4%, indicating poor glycemic control. HbA1c correlated strongly with FBG (r=0.72) and PPBG (r=0.68). Complications included retinopathy (15.6%), nephropathy (20.8%), neuropathy (26%), and cardiovascular events (18.7%). Increased HbA1c was linked to an increased risk of complications (HR 1.45, 95% CI: 1.20-1.75, p<0.001). Age, diabetes duration, LDL cholesterol, and serum creatinine were also predictive. Conclusion: HbA1c plays a very significant role in the diagnosis and management of diabetes, with good correlations to glycemic control and complications, emphasizing its relevance to clinical practice.

J Rang Med Col. March 2025; Vol.10, No.1: 69-74