ASSOCIATION BETWEEN DYSLIPIDEMIA AND GLYCATED HEMOGLOBIN AMONG PATIENTS WITH DIABETES MELLITUS: A CROSS- SECTIONAL STUDY FROM PALESTINE

Abstract

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is commonly accompanied by dyslipidemia, which increases cardiovascular risk. Evidence describing the relationship between glycemic control and lipid abnormalities in Palestinian primary care remains limited. Aim: This study assessed the prevalence and pattern of dyslipidemia and its relationship with the control of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) among adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were admitted to two primary healthcare centers in Nablus. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 adults who were recruited between February and June 2026. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and medical records. The most recent HbA1c results were recorded in categories and classified as controlled (<7%) or uncontrolled (≥7%). Chi-square tests, Spearman correlation, and binary logistic regression were used. Results: Among 399 participants with known HbA1c status, 323 (81.0%) had uncontrolled HbA1c. At least one lipid abnormality was present in 357 (89.5%) participants. High LDL-C was the most common abnormality (77.2%), followed by high triglycerides (50.6%), low HDL-C (49.6%), and high total cholesterol (40.4%). Mixed dyslipidemia (46.7% versus 34.2%, p = 0.048) and atherogenic dyslipidemia (32.5% versus 18.4%, p = 0.016) were more frequent among participants with uncontrolled HbA1c. The correlations between the HbA1c category and lipid parameters were statistically significant but weak. After adjustment, none of the lipid variables were independently associated with uncontrolled HbA1c. Conclusion: Poor glycemic control and lipid abnormalities were common in this study. These findings support the regular assessment of both the HbA1c level and the lipid profile because the HbA1c level cannot replace direct lipid measurement. The observed associations were weak and should be interpreted cautiously.