Association Between Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) and Lipid Profile in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Analysis

Abstract

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with dyslipidemia, increasing cardiovascular risk. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) reflects long-term glycemic control and may influence lipid metabolism, though findings remain inconsistent. Aim: To investigate the association between HbA1c and lipid profile in patients with T2DM. Methodology: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 488 adults (≥45 years) with T2DM at Himalaya Medical College and Hospital, Patna, India. Data on demographics, HbA1c, fasting glucose, and lipid parameters (total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-c, HDL-c) were extracted from medical records. Pearson correlation, independent t-tests, and multiple linear regression analyses were performed using SPSS v26. Results: Mean HbA1c was 8.38 ± 1.74%. Dyslipidemia was prevalent: 34.6% had high total cholesterol, 34.8% elevated triglycerides, 59.8% high LDL-c, and 40% low HDL-c. Regression analysis revealed HbA1c was a significant positive predictor of total cholesterol (β=2.502, p=0.043) and triglycerides (β=7.842, p<0.001), but not LDL-c or HDL-c. Gender, age, diastolic blood pressure, and BMI also influenced lipid levels. Females exhibited higher HbA1c and more adverse lipid profiles than males. Conclusion: Poor glycemic control in T2DM is associated with adverse lipid alterations, particularly elevated total cholesterol and triglycerides. Integrated management addressing both glycemia and lipid abnormalities is essential to reduce cardiovascular risk.