Glycated Hemoglobin as a Predictor of Dyslipidemia and Cardiovascular Risk in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a globally prevalent metabolic disorder that significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) through mechanisms such as dyslipidemia, characterized by elevated triglycerides, low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, and small dense low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is a key biomarker of glucose control and has been associated with CVD risk. Methods: This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the relationship between glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and lipid profiles, specifically lipid ratios, in a Jordanian population with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A total of 140 patients with T2DM and 20 healthy controls participated. Blood samples were analyzed for fasting blood sugar (FBS), HbA1c, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) levels. HbA1c levels were grouped: A (≤7%), B (7–9%), C (9–11%), and D (>11%). Results: The T2DM group showed significantly elevated HbA1c levels compared to controls. Patients with higher HbA1c levels (Groups C and D) exhibited abnormal lipid profiles, including increased total cholesterol and triglycerides and reduced HDL-C. The LDL-C/HDL-C ratio was notably higher in patients with HbA1c >9%, indicating a potential elevated cardiovascular risk. This correlation between HbA1c and lipid profile abnormalities supports the association between poor glycemic control and lipid metabolism dysregulation. Conclusion: HbA1c levels are significantly associated with dyslipidemia, and lipid ratios serve as sensitive indicators for cardiovascular risk in T2DM patients. These findings underscore the clinical importance of monitoring HbA1c and lipid ratios to improve risk assessment and guide intervention strategies in high-risk populations.