To study the Association of HbA1C Levels with Asymptomatic Bacteriuria in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) is a common condition in individuals with diabetes mellitus and has been associated with an increased risk of complications. This study aimed to investigate the association between glycemic control, measured by glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, and the prevalence of ASB in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 75 participants diagnosed to have type 2 diabetes mellitus according to ADA criteria visiting OPD and getting admitted under General medicine department. Demographic and clinical data were collected using pretested questionnaire. Basic blood investigations including HbA1c were done. Midstream urine samples were cultured to assess the presence of ASB. Logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association between HbA1c levels and ASB, adjusting for potential confounders. Results: The prevalence of ASB in the study population was 26.7%. Participants with ASB had significantly higher mean HbA1c levels compared to those without ASB (9.2% vs. 7.6%, p < 0.001). The logistic regression analysis revealed a significant positive association between HbA1c levels and the presence of ASB (odds ratio [OR] = 1.54, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.18-2.01, p = 0.001), indicating that for every 1% increase in HbA1c, the odds of having ASB increased by 54%. Conclusions: This study demonstrated a significant association between elevated HbA1c levels and an increased risk of ASB in individuals with T2DM, highlighting the importance of maintaining optimal glycemic control to reduce the risk of ASB and its potential complications.