Evaluation of the relationship between glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and diabetes and other diseases: A retrospective study

Abstract

Objective: To retrospectively evaluate the relationships between glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and diabetes and other diseases in primary care.

Methodology: This study was conducted retrospectively using the available recorded data of individuals registered with the Bursa Uludağ University Family Health Center. The study retrospectively evaluated the data of individuals registered with the Family Health Center and who underwent HbA1c measurement during the five years between January 2020 to December 2024. The data obtained in the study revealed that 3520 (N) visits to the health center were made during these five years and this constituted the study population. Simple random sampling was determined to be sufficient to include at least 385 patients with a 5% error rate and a 95% confidence level. Therefore, to provide more accurate results, 537 (N) patients who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study sample. Furthermore, the study's sample power was determined to be 99% and the effect size was determined to be quite high at 0.49.

Results: A total of 537 individuals participated in the study. Of the participants, 117 (21.8%) were male and 420 (78.2%) were female. The average age of the individuals was determined to be 39.29±14.63. The rates of male gender, genetic and chronic diseases, allergies, anemia, older age and diabetes were significantly different across HbA1c groups. In the logistic regression model, allergic diseases, gender, anemia and pregnancy were found to be independent risk factors affecting HbA1c levels.

Conclusion: In our study, the rates of male gender, older age, genetic and chronic diseases, allergies, anemia and diabetes were significantly different across HbA1c groups. Allergic diseases, gender, anemia and pregnancy were found to be independent risk factors affecting HbA1c levels. The results we found regarding HbA1c levels in family medicine are crucial for diagnosis, treatment, follow-up and referral to other clinics.