The relationship between HbA1c control pattern and atherosclerosis progression of diabetes: a prospective study of Chinese population

Abstract

Abstract Background This study aims to comprehensively explain of glycosylated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) control patterns and help determine the causal relationship between glycemic control patterns and atherosclerosis progression, thereby contributing to the effective management of diabetes complications. Method All participants registered at the National Metabolic Management Center (MMC) of Beijing Luhe Hospital. The HbA1c pattern was described by HbA1c variability and trajectory groups of HbA1c. Then we examined the associations between the HbA1c pattern and the changes of intima-media thickness (ΔIMT) using covariate-adjusted means (SE) of ΔIMT, which were calculated by multiple linear regression analyses adjusted for the covariates. Finally, a cross-lagged panel model (CLPM) was performed to further verify the bidirectional relationship between IMT and HbA1c. Results After data cleaning, a total of 1041 type 2 diabetes patients aged 20–80 years were included in this study. Except for average real variability (ARV), the other variation variables of HbA1c were associated with ΔIMT% (P < 0.05). Four discrete trajectories of HbA1c were identified in trajectory analysis. Comparing with the low-stable trajectory group of HbA1c, the covariate-adjusted means (SE) of ΔIMT% were significantly higher in Moderate-increase, U-shape and relative high trajectory groups, the mean (SE) were 7.03 (0.031), 15.49 (0.185), 14.15 (0.029), respectively. Meanwhile, there were significant bidirectional cross-lagged associations between HbA1c and IMT after adjusting for covariates. Conclusion We found four discrete trajectory groups of HbA1c during the long-term follow-up of diabetes. There was a positive association between HbA1c variability and the progression of atherosclerosis. Our study suggested that patients with diabetes should avoid roller coaster changes in glucose over a long period when controlling blood glucose.