INVESTIGATING THE INTERPLAY OF TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS AND CARDIAC BIOMARKERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR RISK: A CROSS-SECTIONAL RETROSPECTIVE STUDY IN KWAZULU-NATAL.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i6.1683Keywords:
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), Glycaemic Control, Hba1c, Cardiac Biomarkers, High-Sensitivity Troponin-T, NT-Probnp, Myocardial InjuryAbstract
Objective
This cross-sectional study investigates the relationship between glycaemic control, as indicated by HbA1c levels, and cardiovascular risk biomarkers (high-sensitivity troponin-T, troponin-I, and NT-ProBNP) in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). T2DM is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular complications, including heart failure and myocardial infarction, and poor glycaemic control exacerbates these risks.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in KwaZulu-Natal, including data from 230 patients diagnosed with T2DM. The study analyzed the correlation between HbA1c levels and cardiac biomarkers across different age groups. Demographic data, such as age and gender, were also collected to assess their influence on the relationship between glycaemic control and cardiovascular risk.
Results
The study found a significant positive correlation between elevated HbA1c levels and high-sensitivity troponin-T (ρ = 0.250, p < 0.001), indicating an increased risk of myocardial injury. Older participants exhibited higher NT-ProBNP levels (ρ = 0.116, p = 0.040), suggesting a higher risk of heart failure in this group. Additionally, higher HbA1c levels were associated with higher troponin-I levels, reinforcing the connection between poor glycaemic control and myocardial injury.
Conclusion
This study highlights the critical role of managing glycaemic control to reduce cardiovascular risk in T2DM patients, particularly in older individuals. Regular monitoring of both HbA1c and cardiac biomarkers is essential for early detection and intervention. Further research is needed to explore the combined effects of glycaemic control, comorbidities, and treatments on cardiovascular risk biomarkers.
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