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Glycosylated haemoglobin concentrations and clinitest results in insulin-dependent diabetes
Insights
Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) effectively reflects long-term diabetic control. A simple urine sugar test correlated well with HbA1c, unlike other blood glucose measures.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Clinical Chemistry
- Diabetes Mellitus Research
Background:
- Assessing long-term glycemic control in diabetes mellitus is crucial.
- Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) provides a measure of average blood glucose over 2-3 months.
- Traditional methods for monitoring diabetic control include urine glucose tests and blood glucose measurements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the correlation between Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and various diabetes control parameters.
- To determine the efficacy of a semiquantitative urine sugar test ('Clinitest') in reflecting glycemic control compared to other methods.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed HbA1c levels in 11 insulin-dependent diabetic outpatients using electrofocusing.
- Monitored diabetic control via daily 'Clinitest' urine sugar assessments for 8 weeks prior to HbA1c measurement.
- Collected data on 24-hour glycosuria and fasting/postprandial blood glucose levels during the study period.
Main Results:
- A strong positive correlation was observed between HbA1c concentration and the semiquantitative urinary-sugar-concentration index.
- No significant correlation was found between HbA1c and 24-hour glycosuria or fasting/postprandial blood glucose levels.
- The 'Clinitest' method proved to be a reliable indicator of long-term glycemic control.
Conclusions:
- The semiquantitative urine sugar test ('Clinitest') is a valuable and highly correlated indicator of long-term glycemic control in insulin-dependent diabetics.
- HbA1c concentration is better reflected by urine sugar monitoring than by single-point blood glucose measurements or overall glycosuria.
- This finding suggests a practical and accessible method for routine diabetes management and monitoring.
Abstract:
In 11 insulin-dependent diabetic outpatients, haemoglobin AIc (HbAIc) was measured by an electrofocusing method. Diabetic control was evaluated by the semiquantitative urine test for sugar, 'Clinitest', three times a day every day in the 8 weeks before the HbAIc determination. 24-hour glycosuria and fasting and postprandial blood-glucose levels were measured one to five times during this period. The HbAIc concentration correlated highly with the semi-quantitative urinary-sugar-concentration index but not with the other parameters.