Background <p>Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global health challenge, requiring efficient management strategies. Monitoring biochemical markers such as lipid profiles and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is critical in assessing disease progression and guiding treatment. While the individual importance of lipid profiles and HbA1c is well-established, understanding their relationship is increasingly relevant.</p> Methods <p>This cross-sectional study explored the association between HbA1c levels and lipid profiles in 128 diabetic patients, aged 18 to 83, from Zakho General Hospital, Kurdistan, Iraq.</p> Results <p>Statistical analysis revealed a mean age of 53.27 years and an average BMI of 29.10 kg/m2, indicating overweight and obesity. The mean HbA1c was 9.126%, reflecting poor glycemic control. Lipid profiles showed elevated triglycerides (230.8 mg/dL), LDL-c (110.2 mg/dL), and VLDL (48.54 mg/dL), indicating dyslipidemia. Significant positive correlations were observed between systolic blood pressure and both HbA1c (<i>r</i> = 0.2248, <i>p</i> = 0.0108) and Fasting blood glucose levels (<i>r</i> = 0.1929, <i>p</i> = 0.0291). LDL-c showed a significant negative correlation with age (<i>r</i> = -0.2360, <i>p</i> = 0.0073).</p> Conclusions <p>These results highlight the complex relationship between lipid metabolism and glycemic control, underscoring the need for integrated management approaches to improve patient outcomes in diabetes care.</p> Trial registration <p>01012024–01-01. Registered 1- Jan 2023.</p>