Abstract :

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a growing global health challenge characterised by chronic hyperglycaemia and progressive metabolic dysfunction. Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) serves as the gold standard for assessing long-term glycaemic control and is closely linked to the risk of diabetes-related complications. Disease duration has been hypothesised to influence glycaemic outcomes; however, findings from previous studies remain inconsistent, warranting further investigation.

Objective: This study aimed to examine the association between disease duration and glycaemic control, as measured by HbA1c levels, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods: An analytical observational study with cross-sectional design was conducted on 71 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients at three primary health centres in Kupang City from July to August 2025. Disease duration data were obtained through interviews and medical records, categorised as less than one year, one to five years, and more than five years. HbA1c levels were measured using high performance liquid chromatography method. Data analysis used Spearman’s correlation test with significance level of α=0.05.

Results: Mean HbA1c levels demonstrated an ascending trend across duration categories: 8.25±3.15% for less than one year, 9.06±2.14% for one to five years, and 9.92±2.76% for more than five years. Spearman correlation analysis revealed a statistically significant positive relationship between disease duration and HbA1c levels (r=0.247; p=0.038).

Conclusion: A significant positive correlation exists between type 2 diabetes mellitus duration and HbA1c levels, although with weak correlation strength. This finding emphasises the importance of regular glycaemic monitoring and comprehensive multifactorial management approaches, as glycaemic control is influenced not only by disease duration but also by modifiable factors including medication adherence, lifestyle modifications, and psychosocial support.

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Keywords :

diabetes mellitus, Duration, HbA1c, Indonesia, Primary Care

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