Prevalence of Diabetes in Different Age Groups and Genders Measured by HBA1c

Abstract

Objective:    To determine the prevalence of diabetes in different age groups and genders measured by HbA1c. Study Design: cross-sectional, retrospective research. Place and Duration of Study: This retrospective, cross-sectional study was carried out at Department of Pathology in Buch International Hospital, Multan from 1st January 2023 to 31st Dec 2023, after the approval of ethical committee. Methodology: A total of 2331 patients, were selected by non-probability and consecutive sampling technique, with no specific age limit of both genders, after taking informed consent. Almost 2 ml venous blood was taken from the cubital vein following standard operating procedure. Sample was taken in EDTA vial, clot was checked physically and mixed in roller mixer for 3-5 minutes. Quality controls were performed before running the samples. Samples were run in Cobas C311 analyzer and results appeared on screen. Results are entered into Fotis/HMIS by duty technician or technologist. Initial authentication is done by lab manager and finally the reports were approved by duty Pathologist. During sampling age and gender were recorded. The reference value for a "normal" HBA1c level in a normal healthy adult is less than 5.7% and for prediabetes between 5.7 to 6.4%, and > 6.4% is considered as diabetes. Results: In our study, total 1189 patients among 2324 patients were diabetic with 51.2%. Pre-diabetic patients were 704/2324 with total percentage of 30.3. Total 593 males (out of 1035) with percentage of 49.9 % and 596 females (out of 1289) with percentage of 50.1% were affected with diabetes showing higher prevalence in females. Percentage of diabetes in various age groups was also calculated which exhibit the highest rates of illness(51.8 in females aged 41 to 60 years, while  men are more effected in first two decades of life with overall percentage of 64.3% with second peak in 81- 100 years of age with 63 %. There were 288 males and 416 females (out of 2324) who showed normal HBA1c values within reference ranges. Prediabetes patients are mostly females 416 with overall 50.1%. Conclusion: According to the current study, diabetes mellitus is quite prevalent among Multan City's population. Overall, 51.1% of Multan's population has diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is more common in young people and is brought on by an unhealthy and sedentary lifestyle. . Diabetes can be avoided early on by treating risk factors such as insulin resistance and obesity. National programs that promote healthy habits from an early age should be given priority in the health care agenda.