HbA1c, C-Peptide, and Other Biochemical Indicators in the Management of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Review

The number of children and adolescents who are suffering from Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) in Iraq is continuously increasing. Nutritional management and biochemical markers play a major role in controlling the disease. Several criteria are essential for assessing glycemic control and the course of the disease. Methods: This review examined published Iraqi research addressing two topics that have a direct effect on type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM): nutritional aspects (carbohydrate counting and dietary education) and biochemical markers (HbA1c and C-peptide). The findings were compared with those of other international studies. Results: Iraqi studies consistently recorded higher HbA1c levels and lower C-peptide concentrations compared with healthy control groups, which indicates compromised β -cell function and poor glycemic control. Nutritional studies showed that inadequate dietary education and a lack of carbohydrate counting are the two main causes of uncontrolled diabetes. Iraqi studies were consistently characterized by small sample sizes, cross-sectional designs, no longitudinal follow-up, and inadequate assay standardization. Global studies, on the other hand, produced insights through larger cohorts, standardized procedures, and long-term follow-ups. Conclusion: The evidence from Iraqi studies shows a critical need for extensive, multicenter, long-term research to enhance glycemic outcomes in children with type 1 diabetes. Future studies should aim to combine structured nutritional interventions with biochemical monitoring.