DIASTOLIC DYSFUNCTION AND ITS CORRELATION WITH HBA1C IN NEWLY DIAGNOSED TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular complications, including diastolic dysfunction, which can progress to diabetic cardiomyopathy. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) serves as a marker of long-term glycemic control and may be a predictor of diastolic dysfunction in newly diagnosed T2DM patients.

Aim: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of diastolic dysfunction in newly diagnosed T2DM patients and to evaluate the correlation between HbA1c levels and echocardiographic parameters of diastolic function.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 150 newly diagnosed T2DM patients aged 30-60 years were enrolled. Comprehensive echocardiographic assessments measured parameters such as E/A and E/e' ratios, deceleration time, and isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT). HbA1c levels were obtained and correlated with diastolic parameters to determine the impact of glycemic control on cardiac function.

Results: Diastolic dysfunction was identified in 67% of participants, with significantly lower E/A ratios (0.9 ± 0.3) and elevated E/e' ratios (16.4 ± 3.9) in patients with HbA1c ≥7.2% (p < 0.001). A strong correlation was observed between HbA1c and key diastolic parameters, including E/A ratio (r = -0.45, p < 0.001) and E/e' ratio (r = 0.52, p < 0.001). Patients with higher HbA1c levels also showed prolonged deceleration times (190.8 ± 17.2 ms), suggesting increased myocardial stiffness.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates a high prevalence of diastolic dysfunction in newly diagnosed T2DM patients, with HbA1c levels emerging as a strong predictor of diastolic impairment. Routine echocardiographic screening, along with stringent glycemic control, may be critical in managing early cardiac changes in diabetes and preventing progression to heart failure.