A Study of Relationship Between HbA1c Level and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

Abstract

Hyperlipidemia and diabetes are important risk factors for cardiovascular disease, which are significant non-communicable disease problems in Thailand. It is commonly observed that patients with diabetes often have high blood lipid levels and a strong correlation with poorly controlled blood sugar levels. The measurement of HbA1c, which reflects accumulated sugar levels, has therefore been used as a criterion to assess the ability to control blood sugar levels in patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between HbA1c levels in patients with diabetes and high blood lipid levels, as well as the relationship between HbA1c levels and the risk of developing heart disease and stroke, as assessed by the Thai Cardiovascular Risk score. A sample group of 390 patients at age 40 years and over who received care at the diabetes and outpatient clinics from January to December at Phonphisai Hospital, Nong Khai Province, in 2020 were enrolled in this study. The results showed that HbA1c levels were significantly correlated with the body weight of patients, blood pressure, FPG, Total Cholesterol and LDL with Thai Cardiovascular Risk score (p<0.05). The findings of this study may be useful for physicians in assessing the risk of complications in patients with diabetes.