Impact of Fasting Plasma Glucose on Electrolyte Imbalance, Lipid Profile, and Associated Health Complications in Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetic Patients: A Cross‐Sectional Study in Rural Bangladesh

ABSTRACT Background and Aims Diabetes mellitus is a pervasive chronic disorder disrupting electrolyte homeostasis and lipid metabolism, thereby predisposing patients to severe complications. This study investigates the associations between fasting plasma glucose (FPG), electrolyte imbalances, and lipid profiles in Bangladeshi diabetic patients, with an emphasis on physiological complications, including a proposed mechanism linking electrolyte disturbances to osteoarthritis. Methods A cross‐sectional, multicenter study was conducted across Kushtia, Meherpur, Pabna, and Jhenaidah with high diabetes prevalence. Demographic data from 400 participants were collected via validated questionnaires, while a subset of 50 participants from Kushtia underwent comprehensive biochemical analyses, including serum electrolytes, lipid profile, kidney function, and FPG using Siemens Dimension EXL auto‐analyzer. Data analysis employed regression models, analysis of variance (ANOVA), the Kruskal–Wallis H test, and Chi‐square tests, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results The median FPG (7.30 mmol/L), triglycerides (159.24 ± 58.06 mg/dL), and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) (122.75 ± 36.99 mg/dL) significantly exceeded normal ranges. FPG exhibited a strong negative correlation with serum Na⁺ (r = −0.408, p = 0.003) and Cl⁻ (r = −0.368, p = 0.009), while showing no significant association with K⁺ or lipid parameters. Notably, 62.7% (251/400) of patients reported leg problems, and serum sodium‐to‐potassium ratios (SSPR) correlated significantly with osteoarthritis prevalence (χ² = 6.33, p < 0.05). Additionally, 98% of patients reported minimal medication side effects. Conclusion The study highlights the importance of regular monitoring of FPG, electrolytes, lipid profiles, as well as taking medicine and doing exercise to mitigate complications and improve diabetes management. Therefore, healthcare providers should prioritize routine assessment of these parameters in diabetic patients to enable early intervention.