Glycemic control and dyslipidemia in type 2 diabetic patients in an Indian rural tribal locality: A family medicine practitioner’s perspective

ABSTRACT

Background: Diabetes and dyslipidemia commonly coexist, frequently associated with various cardio-vascular (CV) risk factors and good glycemic control is key for prevention of long-term CV complications. Although diabetes and dyslipidemia commonly coexist in India, there is a lack of evidence on pattern of dyslipidemia and whether dyslipidemia is adequately managed or not, particularly in rural population in a real-world setting. Aims and Objectives: This study was conducted to assess present glycemic status and lipid profile of the population residing in a rural tribal locality of Jharkhand (India) as part of project for fellowship in diabetes course by Department of Endocrinology, DEDU, CMC, Vellore. Materials and Methods: This non-interventional cross-sectional study was conducted in a tribal locality of Jharkhand (India) after concept note approval for ethical clearance from CMC Vellore. Whole-blood and sera of diabetic patients were analyzed for fasting-blood-sugar, Glycated-hemoglobin (HbA1c), total-cholesterol (CH), triglycerides (TGs), high-density-lipoprotein-cholesterol, low-density-lipoprotein-cholesterol, and very-VLDL-C. Correlation test of HbA1c with lipid-ratios and individual lipid indexes was done. Results: Mean Hb1Ac level was 7.24 ± 1.80 and interestingly, was marginally higher (7.31 ± 1.92 vs. 6.92 ± 1.16) in patients with DM <5 years as compared to those with DM >5 years. Mixed dyslipidemias were common with abnormal TG, LDL, VLDL, High-density lipoprotein (HDL), and Total CH values. Hb1Ac-levels showed significant positive correlation with serum CH, TG, LDL, and VLDL levels while significant negative correlation with HDL levels in the study. Conclusion: Apart from a reliable indicator of long-term glycemic control, HbA1c can also be used as a predictor of dyslipidemia and thus early diagnosis of dyslipidemia can prevent life-threatening CV-complications.