Ethnicity, Age, and Gender Differences in Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) Levels among Adults in Northern and Eastern Sudan: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: The level of association between glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level and ethnicity, age, and gender is not yet settled. This study aimed to investigate the association between ethnicity, age, and gender and HbA1c level among adults who were known not to have diabetes mellitus in northern and eastern Sudan. Methods: A comparative community-based cross-sectional study was conducted. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics data were collected. HbA1c levels were measured, and multiple linear regression analysis was performed. Results: A total of 898 adults (363 in northern Sudan and 535 in eastern Sudan) were included; 349 (38.9%) were males. The HbA1c level was significantly higher in eastern Sudan, and there was no significant difference in HbA1c levels between genders. In multiple linear regression, for adults with HbA1c <6.5%, ethnicity and BMI were associated with HbA1c, but age and gender were not associated with HbA1c. In northern Sudan, age was positively associated with HbA1c, and there was no association between gender, BMI, and HbA1c in adults with HbA1c <6.5%. In eastern Sudan, BMI was positively associated with HbA1c, and there was no significant association between age and gender and HbA1c level in adults with HbA1c <6.5%. Conclusion: HbA1c levels are influenced by ethnicity and age but not by gender.