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Glycated hemoglobin as a measure of physiological stress
B Netterstrøm1, L Danborg, H Olesen
1Occupational Health Clinic, University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Insights
High blood glucose levels, measured by glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), indicate physiological stress in students facing exams. HbA1c levels decreased after the stressful period, suggesting its utility in monitoring stress.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Health
- Psychoneuroendocrinology
Background:
- Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) reflects average blood glucose over weeks.
- Physiological stress can impact metabolic markers.
- Understanding stress markers is crucial for health monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between academic stress and HbA1c levels.
- To assess if HbA1c can serve as a biomarker for physiological stress.
- To examine changes in HbA1c and serum cholesterol before and after an examination period.
Main Methods:
- HbA1c and serum cholesterol were measured in medical students before and after exams.
- A control group of students without exams was included for comparison.
- Statistical analysis was used to compare HbA1c and cholesterol levels between groups and over time.
Main Results:
- HbA1c levels were significantly higher in the exam group compared to the control group.
- A significant decrease in HbA1c was observed in the exam group post-examination.
- Serum cholesterol levels showed no significant differences between groups or over time.
Conclusions:
- Elevated HbA1c levels in the exam group suggest a link between academic stress and glucose metabolism.
- The decrease in HbA1c post-stress indicates its potential as a dynamic measure of physiological stress.
- HbA1c may be a valuable tool for assessing stress-related physiological changes, while serum cholesterol does not appear to be affected.
Abstract:
The concentration of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is an integrated expression of the blood glucose concentration level in the previous weeks. The levels of HbA1c were measured in 23 medical students who had to pass an examination within a few weeks. Twelve other students served as a control group. Four months later, the blood tests were repeated. In addition, serum cholesterol was measured. HbA1c levels were significantly higher in the exam group compared with the control group. The second test revealed a significant decrease in HbA1c in the exam group, while the values in the control group were stable. No differences in serum cholesterol were detected. It is concluded that HbA1c might be of value as a measure of physiological stress.