Influence of Demographic and Lifestyle Factors on Diabetes Control in Iraqi Patients Influence of Demographic and Lifestyle Factors on Diabetes Control in Iraqi Patients
International Journal of Medical Toxicology and Forensic Medicine,
Vol. 16 (2026),
1 January 2026
,
Page 1-6
https://doi.org/10.22037/ijmtfm.v16.50340
Abstract
Background: A serious public health issue in Iraq is diabetes mellitus (DM), which is becoming more common due to demographic and lifestyle factors. The purpose of this research is to examine the association between smoking behaviors, body mass index (BMI), and age in Iraqi patients with diabetes mellitus.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the National Diabetes Center, Al-Mustansiriya University, between September and December 2016. A total of 300 diabetic patients aged 30–84 years were enrolled and classified into five groups based on age and gender. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), body mass index (BMI), and daily cigarette consumption were measured.
Results: Among patients aged 50–59, males had the highest mean FBG (462.0 ± 96.3 mg/dl) and BMI (35.7 ± 29.4 kg/m²). Across all age groups, female patients' BMI remained elevated, and patients aged 50–69 years had the highest HbA1c readings. Male and female patients showed the most significant positive relationships between FBG and HbA1c (r = 0.631 in Group E). There was little correlation between smoking and FBG, except for a moderately positive correlation in middle-aged women, and a weak and erratic correlation between BMI and FBG.
Conclusion: In Iraqi diabetic patients, age and BMI have a significant impact on glycemic control, especially in middle-aged people. Poor glycemic control is more consistently associated with BMI in female patients. In some subgroups, smoking may exacerbate glycemic indices, although its impact seems to be limited. It is advised to implement focused weight-control and smoking cessation strategies to improve diabetes outcomes.
- Body mass index, Blood glucose, Diabetes mellitus, lifestyle
How to Cite
References
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