GLYCEMIC CONTROL AND COMORBIDITIES IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS: A GENDER-BASED STUDY IN HEALTH FACILITIES OF DUHOK, IRAQ

Background
This study aimed to investigate gender-related differences in glycemic control and the prevalence of comorbidities among diabetic patients attending healthcare facilities in Duhok, Iraq. It also examined associations between treatment regimens, lifestyle factors, and glycemic outcomes.

Material and methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2024 to April 2025, enrolling 200 diabetic patients from the Duhok Diabetes Center and Azadi Teaching Hospital. Data collected included patient demographics, HbA1c values, diabetes treatment modalities, comorbid conditions, and lifestyle factors. Glycemic control was categorized as poor (HbA1c ≥ 7%) or good (HbA1c < 7%) based on the American Diabetes Association criteria.

Results
Overall, 52% of patients achieved good glycemic control (HbA1c < 7%), with no statistically significant difference between males (49.52%) and females (54.74%) (p=0.4612). In contrast, patients on combined insulin and oral hypoglycemic therapy showed significantly poorer glycemic control, with 95.65% of males and 93.75% of females in this group having HbA1c ≥ 7% (p<0.0001).

Conclusions
The study found no significant gender differences in glycemic control or the prevalence of comorbidities. The poorer glycemic outcomes observed in patients receiving combination therapy likely reflect more advanced or difficult-to-control disease.