Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Dried Blood Spots - Preparing and Processing for Use in Immunoassays and in Molecular Techniques
Published on: March 13, 2015
Decreased HbA1c levels due to sulfonamide-induced hemolysis in two IDDM patients
1Department of Medicine, University Hospital Nijmegen, The Netherlands. c.tack@aig.azn.nl
Insights
Sulfasalazine and dapsone can falsely lower hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) readings in patients with diabetes by causing red blood cell destruction. Fructosamine is a more reliable measure of glycemic control during this drug use.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Hematology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is a standard measure for assessing long-term glycemic control in diabetes management.
- Erythrocyte lifespan significantly impacts HbA1c values, as it reflects average blood glucose over the red blood cell's life.
- Sulfonamide drugs, such as sulfasalazine and dapsone, are known to potentially cause hemolysis.
Abstract:
Regular measurement of HbA1c (percentage) is an essential component of modern diabetes care. Factors that affect the life span of erythrocytes will also influence HbA1c results. In this study, we describe two patients with IDDM, whose regularly determined HbA1c values were considerably decreased with the concomitant use of two related sulfonamide drugs, sulfasalazine and dapsone. The fall in HbA1c results is explained by increased erythrocytopoiesis as a product of drug-induced hemolysis. Fructosamine concentrations are not affected by hemolysis and reflected glycemic control better. We conclude that under conditions of persistent (subclinical) hemolysis, as occurs during the use of sulfonamides, HbA1c is not a reliable indicator of glycemic control.
More Related Videos
04:36Measurement of Tissue Oxygenation Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis
Published on: October 2, 2020
14:18Dioscin Mediated IgA Nephropathy Alleviation by Inhibiting B Cell Activation In Vivo and Decreasing Galactose-Deficient IgA1 Production In Vitro
Published on: October 13, 2023
Related Concept Videos
Glucose Transporters
Facilitated diffusion-glucose transporters (GLUTs) are encoded by the solute-linked carrier (SLC) family 2, subfamily A gene family, or SLC2A. The 14 GLUT protein members are distributed into three classes:
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational
Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 Inhibitors
Type II Diabetes Mellitus III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnosis
Hyperglycemia
Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State