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Updated: Jun 27, 2026
06:26
Analyzing the Permeability of the Blood-Brain Barrier by Microbial Traversal through Microvascular Endothelial Cells
Published on: February 14, 2020
[Inappropriate low glycated hemoglobin and hemolysis]
A Debard1, S Charmion, S Ben Ameur
1Service de médecine interne, hôpital Nord, 42055 Saint-Etienne cedex 2, France. alexa.debard@gmail.com
La Revue De Medecine Interne
|November 21, 2008
Summary
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) can be falsely low in diabetic patients with autoimmune hemolytic anemia, like Evans syndrome. This hematologic condition can mask high blood glucose levels, impacting diabetes management.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Medicine
- Hematology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is a critical marker for monitoring long-term glycemic control in diabetes mellitus.
- Maintaining HbA1c below 6.5% is essential for preventing or reducing the risk of diabetic chronic complications.
- HbA1c provides an average blood glucose measurement over the preceding 3 months.
Observation:
- A case study involving a diabetic patient presented with unusually low HbA1c levels.
- Despite the low HbA1c, the patient exhibited high plasma glucose levels.
- This discrepancy was attributed to autoimmune hemolysis secondary to Evans syndrome.
Findings:
- Autoimmune hemolytic disorders, such as Evans syndrome, can lead to falsely low HbA1c values.
- Hemolytic conditions interfere with the accurate measurement of HbA1c, potentially misrepresenting glycemic control.
- The rate of red blood cell turnover in hemolysis affects HbA1c readings.
Implications:
- Clinicians must consider the patient's hematologic status when interpreting HbA1c results.
- Falsely reassuring HbA1c values in hemolytic disorders can lead to inadequate diabetes management.
- Awareness of hemolysis is crucial for accurate diabetes care and complication prevention.
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