Haemoglobin A1c is associated with carotid intima-media thickness in a Chinese population

The association between haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels and subclinical atherosclerosis in carotid arteries in Chinese populations is unknown. AIM, DESIGN AND METHODS: The objective of this study was to investigate this relationship and evaluate the ability of HbA1c levels to predict carotid atherosclerosis in a Chinese population. This was a cross-sectional study, which included 541 subjects without known diabetes (Taiwan Lifestyle Study). About 67 (9·2%) subjects were newly diagnosed with diabetes during the study. Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and the presence of carotid plaques were determined using ultrasonography.