Decreased HbA1c levels due to sulfonamide-induced hemolysis in two IDDM patients

C J Tack1, J F Wetzels

  • 1Department of Medicine, University Hospital Nijmegen, The Netherlands. c.tack@aig.azn.nl

Diabetes Care
|July 1, 1996
PubMed

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.

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