Baseline clinical and biochemical profiles of type 2 diabetes patients enrolled in a lifestyle management program in India, a cross-sectional study

Assessing the clinical and biochemical profiles of patients with type-2 diabetes (T2D) is vital for understanding the disease characteristics and improving disease management. This study aimed to assess the profiles of adults (> 18 years old) with T2D enrolled in a one-year diabetes management program in Pune, India. This cross-sectional study retrospectively analyzed 18,950 records from the Freedom from Diabetes Clinic, between November 2015 and June 2023. Baseline sociodemographic, biochemical, and anthropometric parameters were extracted from electronic medical records and analyzed using descriptive statistical methods. A gender-wise comparison was performed for the biochemical and anthropometric measurements. Poor glycemic control (glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c] ≥ 7%) was reported by 70.0% of the patients at baseline, despite the majority (80.2%) being on glucose lowering medications. The prevalence of overweight (body mass index [BMI] 23.0-24.9 kg/m²) and obesity (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²) was 21.5% and 57.2%, respectively. Hypertension and hypercholesterolemia were reported in 56.8% and 25.7% of the patients, respectively. A significant association was observed between comorbidities such as hypertension, overweight/obesity, and poor glycemic control (p < 0.05). Additionally, significant gender-wise differences were observed in the clinical parameters, including homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, fasting insulin, and micronutrients (p < 0.05). This study highlights the high prevalence of poor glycemic control, overweight/obesity, and comorbidities among T2D patients enrolled in a one-year diabetes management program in India. Gender-specific differences emphasize the need for tailored management approaches. These findings underscore the importance of comprehensive lifestyle interventions to improve glycemic control, address comorbidities, and reduce complication risks in the Indian population with T2D.