CARDIOMETABOLIC RISK PROFILES IN ADULTS WITH DIABETES: ASSOCIATIONS WITH GLYCEMIC CONTROL, DIABETES TYPE, AND DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS.

BACKGROUND: Even though diabetes is a major risk factor for ischemic heart disease, modifiable risk factors like hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity remain significant factors in the morbidity and mortality associated with this disease in diabetic patients. The data available for the region is still scarce, particularly in the Qassim region. This research aimed to evaluate the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among diabetics and their association with glycemic control, diabetes type, and demographic data in the Qassim region. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted of the electronic medical records (EMR) of patients with diabetes at the Diabetes and Endocrine Center in Qassim, Saudi Arabia, on 1st December 2024 until 15th May 2025. Clinical and laboratory data and demographic and anthropometric data were obtained from medical records. RESULTS: A high prevalence of obesity (56.6%), physical inactivity (76.3%), and low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (50.6%) were noted. There was a significant association between poor glycemic control (HbA1c>8%) and abnormal levels of LDL and total cholesterol, with 30.95% of patients in the poor control group having high LDL and total cholesterol levels (p<0.001). Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was strongly associated with hypertension, obesity, physical inactivity, low HDL, and compared to type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Male participants had a higher prevalence of dyslipidemia and smoking; female participants had a higher prevalence of obesity and physical inactivity. In addition, central adiposity and hypertension were related to age. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiovascular risk factors were highly prevalent among diabetic patients and were significantly associated with T2DM in the Qassim region, advanced age, and impaired glycemic control. These results highlighted the need for comprehensive screening and preventative campaigns designed for the high-risk diabetic populations in the Qassim region.