Hemoglobin A1c in Muscat, Oman - A 3 year study

Area of Science:

• Clinical Chemistry
• Endocrinology
• Public Health

Background:

• Glycosylated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) serves as a key indicator for long-term blood glucose control in diabetic patients.
• This retrospective study analyzed HbA1c test results from 7442 diabetic patients in the Muscat Region, Oman, between January 2005 and December 2007.
• Data was collected from primary healthcare centers and hospitals, with Al Nahdha Hospital serving as the central laboratory for HbA1c testing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the prevalence of glycemic control among diabetic patients in the Muscat Region.
• To assess the effectiveness of current diabetes management strategies in Oman.

Main Methods:

• HbA1c levels were determined using a Turbidimetric inhibition immunoassay.
• Automated analysis was performed on the Hitachi 902 chemistry analyzer.

Main Results:

• A significant majority of patients (77.2%) exhibited poor glycemic control.
• Only 22.8% of the studied diabetic population achieved good glycemic control.

Conclusions:

• The findings underscore a critical need for enhanced diabetes care and patient education in Oman.
• Patients are advised that maintaining HbA1c levels below 7% is essential for mitigating the risk of long-term diabetic complications.