Deciphering the Association: Critical HDL-C Levels and Their Impact on the Glycation Gap in People Living with HIV

TL;DR

This study explores how HDL-C levels and the glycation gap relate in people with HIV, offering insights into metabolic risks and diabetes prevention.

Contribution

The study identifies critical HDL-C thresholds and their impact on the glycation gap in PLWHIV.

Findings

A positive correlation was found between the glycation gap and VLDL-C and triglyceride levels.

HDL-C levels below 40 mg/dL were negatively correlated with a positive glycation gap.

The glycation gap may help identify PLWHIV at risk of chronic complications related to T2D.

Abstract

People Living with HIV (PLWHIV) present an increased risk of developing non-communicable diseases, such as type 2 diabetes (T2D), making it crucial to optimize glycemic control and assess metabolic markers. HbA1c is considered the gold standard for evaluating glycemic control, while fructosamine (FA) offers advantages in assessing non-glycemic determinants. Discrepancies between HbA1c and FA are common and may be influenced by temporal factors. The Glycation Gap (G-gap) emerges as a tool to clarify these discrepancies. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted involving PLWHIV with various glycemic statuses, as well as patients with T2D and controls. Sociodemographic data were collected along with blood samples to measure biochemical profiles and FA. HbA1c predicted from FA (pHbA1c) was calculated using a linear regression equation, facilitating G-gap determination. A positive correlation was found between G-gap and levels of VLDL-C and triglycerides (TG). Additionally, a negative correlation was observed between HDL-C levels < 40 mg/dL and a positive G-gap. These associations suggest that the G-gap may be a useful tool for metabolic evaluation in PLWHIV and a preventive method for identifying individuals at risk of developing chronic complications related to T2D.

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