Clinical characteristics and traditional medicine syndromes associated with HbA1c control in inpatients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the rate of HbA1c control and identify clinical characteristics and traditional medicine syndromes associated with glycemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A total of 197 inpatients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus were enrolled at the Traditional Medicine Hospital – Ministry of Public Security from August 2022 to August 2023. Clinical and laboratory data were collected and analyzed using SPSS 20.0. Among the participants, 76.1% had suboptimal glycemic control with HbA1c levels ≥ 7%. Significant associated factors included age under 60 years old (OR = 5.748; p = 0.038), disease duration over 10 years (OR = 2.91; p = 0.048), poor dietary adherence (OR = 14.91; p < 0.001), and insufficient physical activity (OR = 10.07; p < 0.001). Traditional medicine syndrome differentiation was statistically associated with HbA1c levels (p = 0.009), in which patients with Qi-Yin deficiency or Yin essence deficiency syndromes were less likely to achieve glycemic targets. HbA1c control remains suboptimal among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Greater emphasis on lifestyle interventions and syndrome-based classification in traditional medicine may enhance individualized treatment strategies.