Abstract
BackgroundThe associations between sociodemographic factors and HbA1c variability in type 2 diabetes are not yet established. Examining group differences in HbA1c variability may help identify patient characteristics related to diabetes management. The present study examined differences in baseline HbA1c and HbA1c variability between groups with regard to sex, level of education, civil status, age, and BMI, in a sample of individuals with type 2 diabetes.MethodsThe study was a prospective exploratory cohort study. Differences in HbA1c variability between sociodemographic groups were analyzed in 158 individuals. HbA1c variability was assessed as the standard deviation (SD) and coefficient of variation (CV) over five measured points, and a questionnaire was used to assess sociodemographic factors.ResultsThe results showed significantly higher HbA1c variability in men compared to women (mean difference 1.44 mmol/mol [95% CI: 0.58 to 2.31]), and significantly higher HbA1c variability in individuals with a BMI characterized as obese compared to individuals with a BMI characterized as normal weight (mean difference 1.56 mmol/mol [95% CI: 0.25 to 2.88]). There were no significant associations between HbA1c variability and civil status or education.ConclusionsMen and individuals with obesity may be more vulnerable to future diabetic complications than other groups, since they have greater long-term glycemic variability.
Highlights
The associations between sociodemographic factors and Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) variability in type 2 diabetes are not yet established
HbA1c variability increased with greater Body mass index (BMI), and was lowest among individuals with a BMI characterized as normal weight
Results were similar when using relative HbA1c variability (CV) as outcome: significant differences between men and women were found, as well as a significant difference between individuals with a BMI characterized as normal weight and individuals with a BMI characterized as obesity
Summary
The associations between sociodemographic factors and HbA1c variability in type 2 diabetes are not yet established. The present study examined differences in baseline HbA1c and HbA1c variability between groups with regard to sex, level of education, civil status, age, and BMI, in a sample of individuals with type 2 diabetes. It has been suggested that the association between HbA1c variability and diabetic complications may be explained by confounding factors, such as poor self-management or lack of support [13, 15]. Studying group differences in HbA1c variability based on these factors, may help identify patient characteristics related to long-term diabetes management, and enable a more focused approach to health care support of patients with type 2 diabetes. A further objective was to examine whether any potential effect on HbA1c variability was modified by sex
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