STUDY OF GLYCATED HAEMOGLOBIN (HBA1C) AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH ISCHAEMIC STROKE IN DIABETICS AND NON- DIABETICS IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTER

Abstract

Elevated glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels are a known risk factor for cardiovascular diseases in diabetic patients, yet their association with ischemic stroke risk in both diabetics and non-diabetics requires further elucidation. Methods: This observational cohort study included 300 participants from a tertiary care center, divided equally between diabetics and non-diabetics. We analyzed the association between HbA1c levels and ischemic stroke incidence, adjusting for confounding variables such as age, smoking status, and hypertension. Results: Individuals with HbA1c levels ≥6.5% demonstrated a significantly increased risk of ischemic stroke (OR 3.5, 95% CI 2.0-6.1, p<0.001) compared to those with lower levels. Non-diabetic individuals with HbA1c levels in the 5.7% to 6.4% range also showed a doubled stroke risk. Additionally, traditional risk factors like age, smoking, and hypertension were independently associated with stroke incidence. Conclusion: Elevated HbA1c levels are significantly associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke, extending beyond the diabetic population to those with high-normal levels. These findings advocate for aggressive management of glycemic control and traditional cardiovascular risk factors to mitigate stroke risk.