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Relationship between glycosylated haemoglobin and mean plasma glucose concentration in cystic fibrosis

Amanda L Brennan1, Khin M Gyi, David M Wood

  • 1Cardiac and Vascular Sciences (Respiratory), St George's, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, SW17 0RE, UK.

Journal of Cystic Fibrosis : Official Journal of the European Cystic Fibrosis Society
|October 6, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) strongly correlates with mean plasma glucose (MPG) in cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD). An HbA1c below 7.0% indicates good blood glucose control in CFRD, similar to type 1 diabetes.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Metabolic Disorders
  • Pulmonology

Background:

  • Cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD) management relies on Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) for monitoring glycaemic control.
  • The correlation between HbA1c and mean plasma glucose (MPG) in CFRD is not well-established, unlike in other diabetes mellitus forms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To establish the relationship between HbA1c and MPG in individuals with CFRD.
  • To compare this relationship with that observed in type 1 diabetes.

Main Methods:

  • 20 individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF), including 10 with CFRD, underwent HbA1c measurement.
  • Continuous glucose monitoring over 48 hours was used to estimate MPG.
  • Statistical analysis was performed to determine the correlation between HbA1c and MPG.

Main Results:

  • A strong positive correlation was found between HbA1c and MPG in the CF cohort (R²=0.888, p<0.0001).
  • The derived equation MPG=(1.47xHbA1c)-1.15 indicates a 1.47 mmol L⁻¹ change in MPG per 1% change in HbA1c.
  • The equation predicts similar MPG for CFRD patients with HbA1c <7.0% compared to type 1 diabetes patients achieving the same target.

Conclusions:

  • An HbA1c level below 7.0% is indicative of good blood glucose control in CFRD, mirroring outcomes in type 1 diabetes.
  • While HbA1c predicts complications in type 1 diabetes, further research is needed to confirm its predictive value for diabetic complications in CFRD.
Abstract

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