Abstract
BackgroundThis study explored the relationship between the glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level in patients with or without diabetes mellitus and future risks of cardiovascular disease and death.MethodsBased on a national representative cohort, a total of 5277 participants (7% with diabetes) were selected from Taiwan's Triple High Survey in 2002. The comorbidities, medication usages, and outcomes of cardiovascular disease and death, were extracted from the Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database and National Death Registry.ResultsAfter a median follow-up of 9.7 years, participants with diabetes had higher incidence of new onset cardiovascular disease (17.9 versus 3.16 cases per 1000 person-years) and death (20.1 versus 4.96 cases per 1000 person-years) than those without diabetes (all P < 0.001). Diabetes showed increased risk of all-cause death after adjusting for all confounders (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 2.29, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.52-3.45). Every 1% increment of HbA1c was positively associated with the risk of total cardiovascular disease (HR: 1.2, 95% CI: 1.08-1.34) and the risk of death (HR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.03-1.26) for all participants. As compared to the reference group with HbA1c below 5.5%, participants with HbA1c levels ≥7.5% had significantly elevated future risks of total cardiovascular disease (HR: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.01-3.26) and all-cause death (HR: 2.45, 95% CI: 1.45-4.14).Conclusions/InterpretationElevated HbA1C levels were associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease and death, the suboptimal glycemic control with HbA1c level over 7.5% (58.5 mmol/mol) was strongly associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease and all-cause death.
Highlights
Optimal management of diabetes mellitus is a major concern for healthcare professionals due to its strong association with cardiovascular events and deaths
Every 1% increment of HbA1c was positively associated with the risk of total cardiovascular disease (HR: 1.2, 95% CI: 1.08-1.34) and the risk of death (HR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.03-1.26) for all participants
As compared to the reference group with HbA1c below 5.5%, participants with HbA1c levels 7.5% had significantly elevated future risks of total cardiovascular disease (HR: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.01-3.26) and all-cause death (HR: 2.45, 95% CI: 1.45-4.14)
Summary
Optimal management of diabetes mellitus is a major concern for healthcare professionals due to its strong association with cardiovascular events (including coronary heart diseases and strokes) and deaths. Several observational studies demonstrated that a higher HbA1c level was associated with increased risks of cardiovascular diseases and deaths [2,3,4]. A meta-analysis study showed that 1% HbA1c reduction was associated with a lowered major cardiovascular risks by glycemic control, but was not associated with lowered stroke and death risks [5]. This study explored the relationship between the glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level in patients with or without diabetes mellitus and future risks of cardiovascular disease and death
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
