The correlation of ABC goal attainment with insulin resistance/sensitivity in Syrian type 2 diabetes patients

Background

The rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Syria emphasizes the urgent requirement for effective management approaches. The ABC goals, which include maintaining glycated hemoglobin levels below 7 %, blood pressure below 140/90 mmHg, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels below 100 mg/dl, serve as crucial benchmarks for managing T2D and its associated comorbidities.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, the achievement of ABC goals was retrospectively examined among 681 clinically diagnosed T2D patients (not on Insulin) who participated in a six-year online lifestyle intervention program for diabetes management at the Freedom from Diabetes Clinic in Syria between January 2016 and December 2022.

Results

Out of the participants, 152 (22.3 %) successfully achieved all three ABC goals, while 306 (45.0 %) and 183 (26.9 %) achieved two or one goal(s) respectively. The factors influencing the attainment of all three ABC goals revealed a significant association with older age (>50 years), lower body mass index (<25 kg/m2), and lower insulin resistance (Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance < 2.5). Furthermore, patients who successfully achieved all three ABC goals exhibited lower insulin resistance, improved lipid profiles, and higher insulin sensitivity and beta cell function.

Conclusion

This study offers new insights into the relationship between insulin resistance/sensitivity and the achievement of ABC goals in the Syrian population with T2D, underscoring the necessity for tailored strategies to enhance comprehensive diabetes management.