ASSOCIATION BETWEEN HBA1C LEVELS AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH ADVANCED DIABETIC CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE

Abstract

Background: Diabetic chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major complication of diabetes mellitus, associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and reduced quality of life (QoL). Poor glycemic control, reflected by elevated glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), may further worsen disease burden and patient well-being, particularly in late-stage CKD.

Objective: To examine the relationship between HbA1c levels and quality of life in patients with stage 4 and stage 5 diabetic CKD.

Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among adult patients with type 2 diabetes and advanced CKD attending nephrology and dialysis units. HbA1c levels were obtained from laboratory records, and QoL was assessed using the validated Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form (KDQOL-SF) questionnaire. Glycemic control was categorized as good (<7%), moderate (7–8%), and poor (>8%). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation tests, and regression analysis.

Results: Higher HbA1c levels were significantly associated with lower overall QoL scores. Patients with poor glycemic control demonstrated greater impairment in physical functioning, psychological well-being, and social participation compared to those with better glycemic control. A negative correlation was observed between HbA1c levels and QoL domains, indicating that worsening glycemic status is linked to diminished patient well-being.

Conclusion: Poor glycemic control is significantly associated with reduced quality of life in late-stage diabetic CKD patients. Optimizing HbA1c levels may improve both clinical outcomes and patient-centered well-being. These findings highlight the importance of integrated management strategies focusing on glycemic control and quality of life in this high-risk population.