Glycated Haemoglobin Among Patients With Diabetes Mellitus in Gusau, Northwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract Background: Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) is the gold standard for assessing long-term glycaemic control. Despite its clinical utility, routine use remains limited in many Nigerian health facilities. Understanding local HbA1c patterns is critical for improving diabetes mellitus outcomes. Objective: To determine HbA1c levels, patterns of glycaemic control, and associated clinical factors among patients with diabetes mellitus attending Federal Medical Centre, Gusau. Methods: A retrospective review of 225 patient records with documented HbA1c was conducted. Extracted variables included age, sex, body mass index (BMI), duration of diabetes, blood pressure, fasting and random plasma glucose, antidiabetic medications, and HbA1c. Statistical analyses comprised χ² tests, t-tests, Pearson correlations, and logistic regression, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The mean age of patients was 53.7 ± 11.6 years, and the mean HbA1c was 7.6 ± 2.1%. Females had higher mean HbA1c than males (8.05 ± 2.3% vs. 7.3 ± 2.0%; p = 0.056). Good glycaemic control (HbA1c ≤ 7%) was observed in 141 (62.7%) patients, while 84 (37.3%) had poor control. Duration of diabetes was the strongest predictor of poor control (OR = 1.59; p = 0.046). HbA1c correlated strongly with fasting glucose (r = 0.604; p < 0.001) and random glucose (r = 0.660; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Glycaemic control remains suboptimal in Gusau, particularly among patients with long-standing diabetes mellitus. Strengthening access to HbA1c testing, improving adherence, and optimizing antidiabetic therapy—especially early in the disease course—are urgently needed to enhance outcomes.