GLYCEMIC CONTROL AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH MICROVASCULAR COMPLICATIONS IN TYPE 2 DIABETES

Abstract

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a highly prevalent chronic disorder associated with long-term vascular complications. Poor glycemic control plays a pivotal role in the development of microvascular complications such as retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy, which significantly affect quality of life and increase healthcare burden.

Objectives: To determine the association of glycemic control with microvascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Study Design & Setting: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at the outpatient endocrinology clinics of a tertiary care teaching hospital over six months.

Methodology: A total of 150 patients with type 2 diabetes were enrolled. Glycemic control was assessed by HbA1c levels and categorized as good (<7.0%), suboptimal (7.0–8.9%), and poor (≥9.0%). Microvascular complications were identified through standardized methods: retinopathy by dilated fundus examination, nephropathy by urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio and eGFR, and neuropathy by monofilament and vibration perception testing. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Logistic regression was applied to assess associations.

Results: The mean age of patients was 54.8 ± 9.6 years with a male predominance (58.7%). Good glycemic control was present in 28.0%, suboptimal in 37.3%, and poor in 34.7% of patients. Retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy were present in 30.0%, 25.3%, and 34.7% of patients, respectively. Poor glycemic control was significantly associated with higher frequencies of all complications. Each 1% rise in HbA1c increased the odds of retinopathy (OR 1.48, p=0.006), nephropathy (OR 1.42, p=0.021), and neuropathy (OR 1.55, p=0.002).

Conclusion: Poor glycemic control was strongly associated with increased risk of microvascular complications in type 2 diabetes. Optimal glycemic management is essential to reduce long-term morbidity.