Correlation Between Lipid Profile and Diabetic Foot Complications in Patients with Uncontrolled Diabetes (HbA1c > 6.5%)

Aditi Kulkarni, Snehal Purandare, Aishwarya Navale

Abstract: Background: Diabetic foot complications are a significant cause of morbidity in patients with uncontrolled diabetes. Lipid profile abnormalities, particularly low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), have been suggested to contribute to the development of diabetic foot ulcers. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between lipid profile abnormalities, particularly HDL, and the presence of diabetic foot complications in patients with uncontrolled diabetes (HbA1c > 6.5%). Methods: This cross-sectional study included 99 participants, comprising 49 cases with diabetic foot complications and 50 controls without foot complications. Data were collected on demographic characteristics, HbA1c levels, and lipid profile parameters (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, and VLDL). Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon rank-sum test, Fisher?s exact test, Pearson?s Chi-squared test, and logistic regression to assess associations between clinical and biochemical parameters and diabetic foot complications. Bayesian analyses were also performed for supplementary insights. Results: Cases had significantly higher HbA1c levels (median 8.80%) and lower HDL levels (median 23 mg/dL) compared to controls (HbA1c median 7.20%, HDL median 45 mg/dL). Logistic regression revealed that higher HbA1c (OR: 1.47) and lower HDL (OR: 0.38) were significantly associated with diabetic foot complications. Other lipid parameters (TCHOL, TG, LDL, and VLDL) showed no significant differences. A negative correlation was observed between HbA1c and HDL levels (Pearson?s r = -0.281, p = 0.00489). Conclusion: Higher HbA1c and lower HDL cholesterol levels are significantly associated with diabetic foot complications in patients with uncontrolled diabetes. These findings highlight the importance of managing both glycaemic control and lipid profiles, particularly HDL, to prevent diabetic foot complications. Further longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these findings and explore potential therapeutic strategies targeting lipid metabolism in diabetic foot care.

Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2, Diabetic Foot Ulcer, Diabetic Foot Complications, High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C), Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C), Dyslipidaemia, Glycated Haemoglobin A (HbA1c), Poor Glycaemic Control, Diabetes-Related Morbidity

How to Cite?: Aditi Kulkarni, Snehal Purandare, Aishwarya Navale, "Correlation Between Lipid Profile and Diabetic Foot Complications in Patients with Uncontrolled Diabetes (HbA1c > 6.5%)", Volume 14 Issue 8, August 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 249-254, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR25803230213, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR25803230213