Role of Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c) as a Dual Marker to Predict Glycemic Status and Dyslipidemia in Type II Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is an endocrinological disease associated with hyperglycemia characterized by both insulin resistance and defective insulin secretion. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is a routinely used marker for long-term glycemic control. This study is aimed at investigating the relationship between glycemic control and serum lipid profile and to evaluate the role of glycated haemoglobin as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases in patients with type-2 diabetes and to evaluate the diagnostic value of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in predicting diabetic dyslipidemia as a marker of circulating lipids. The aim of the present study was to estimate glycated hemoglobin and lipid profile in patients with type 2 DM and compare it with controls. The association of glycated hemoglobin with lipid profile evaluated. Methods: This study was conducted in 100 subjects, out of whom 50 were type 2 diabetes mellitus patients (cases, HbA1cgreater than7.0%) and 50 were non diabetic subjects (controls, HbA1c less than 7.0%) depending on their HbA1c; After obtaining informed consent from patients, detailed history was taken followed by thorough physical examination and investigations like, HbA1c and lipid profile (Cholesterol, Triglycerides, HDL, LDL & VLDL). Results: A significantly increased level of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is observed in cases compared to control. HbA1c showed direct and significant correlations with cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL and VLDL & inverse correlation with HDL in cases when compared to controls. Our study also revealed a significant positive correlation between lipid profile and glycated hemoglobin. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that in persons with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, HbA1c value is a good predictor of lipid profile. Therefore, lipid profiling for all persons with type 2 DM should be a routine test.