Glycemic control and its associated factors in hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes

A.S. Jarab, W. Al-Qerem, S. Alqudah, S.R. Abu Heshmeh, T.L. Mukattash, R. Beiram, S. Aburuz

College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. saburuz@uaeu.ac.ae

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• Diabetes

OBJECTIVE: Inadequate glycemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes is growing worldwide. Earlier research studies investigated the predictors of poor glycemic control among patients with diabetes, but not among hypertensive patients who have type 2 diabetes as a comorbid disease. The aim of this study was to explore the factors associated with poor glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: In the present retrospective study, the medical records of two major hospitals were used to collect sociodemographic, biomedical, disease and medication-related information about patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Binary regression analysis was conducted to find the predictors of the study outcome.

RESULTS: The data from 522 patients were collected. High physical activity (OR=2.232; 95% CI: 1.368-3.640; p<0.01), receiving insulin (OR=5.094; 95% CI: 3.213-8.076; p <0.01) or GLP1 receptor agonist (OR=2.057; 95% CI: 1.309-3.231; p<0.01) increased the odds of having controlled blood glucose. Increased age (OR=1.041; 95% CI: 1.013-1.070; p<0.01), elevated high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels (OR=3.727; 95% CI: 1.959-7.092; p<0.01), and lower triglycerides (TGs) levels (OR=0.918; 95% CI: 0.874-0.965; p<0.01) were also associated with improved glycemic control among the study participants.

CONCLUSIONS: Most of the current study participants showed uncontrolled type 2 diabetes. Low physical activity, not receiving insulin or GLP1 receptor agonist, younger age, low HDL and high TG levels were independently associated with poor glycemic control. Future interventions should place a strong emphasis on the value of consistent physical activity and a stable lipid profile in enhancing glycemic control, particularly in younger patients and those who are not receiving insulin or GLP1 receptor agonist therapy.