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Glycosylated haemoglobin levels in patients with diabetes mellitus
Insights
Glycosylated hemoglobin A1 levels indicate diabetes control. Higher levels correlate with poor glycemic control and diabetic complications, highlighting the importance of monitoring this marker.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Clinical Chemistry
Background:
- Glycosylated hemoglobin A1 (HbA1c) is a key biomarker for long-term glycemic control in diabetes mellitus.
- Elevated HbA1c levels are associated with an increased risk of microvascular and macrovascular complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between glycosylated hemoglobin A1 levels and glycemic control in diabetic patients.
- To explore the association of HbA1c levels with diabetes duration, age of onset, and the presence of diabetic retinopathy.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of glycosylated hemoglobin A1 levels in 186 patients with diabetes mellitus and 108 non-diabetic controls.
- Classification of diabetic patients into well-controlled (blood glucose < 10 mmol/L) and poorly controlled (blood glucose > 15 mmol/L) groups.
- Statistical analysis to compare HbA1c levels across groups and assess associations with clinical parameters.
Main Results:
- Mean HbA1c levels were significantly higher in poorly controlled diabetics (15.0% ± 2.5%) compared to well-controlled diabetics (10.7% ± 2%) and normal controls (7.45% ± 0.73%).
- A significant difference in HbA1c levels was observed between diabetic patients with and without retinopathy, particularly those with diabetes onset after age 40.
- A significant association was found between HbA1c levels and the duration of diabetes in patients treated with insulin.
Conclusions:
- Glycosylated hemoglobin A1 levels are a reliable indicator of long-term glycemic control in diabetes mellitus.
- Elevated HbA1c levels are associated with poorer glycemic control, longer disease duration, and the development of diabetic complications like retinopathy.
- Monitoring HbA1c is crucial for managing diabetes and preventing associated complications.
Abstract:
Glycosylated haemoglobin A1 levels were measured in 186 patients with diabetes mellitus and 108 non-diabetic controls. Forty-nine diabetics were considered well controlled with at least three blood glucose levels below 10 mmol/L, while 50 diabetic patients were poorly controlled with at least three blood glucose levels above 15 mmol/L. Mean glycosylated haemoglobin A1 levels for the 108 normal controls was 7.45% +/- 0.73%, for the well controlled diabetics, 10.7% +/- 2%, and for poorly controlled diabetics, 15.0% +/- 2.5% of total haemoglobin. In patients with the onset of diabetes after the age of 40 years, there was a significant difference between the haemoglobin A1 levels in those with diabetic retinopathy and those without complications. There was a significant association between haemoglobin A1 levels and the duration of the disease in diabetics controlled with insulin.