Prediction of near-future glycated hemoglobin levels using glycated albumin levels before and after treatment for diabetes

Abstract

Aims/Introduction: In the present study, whether near-future glycated hemoglobin (A1C) levels could be predicted by changes in glycated albumin (GA) levels before and after treatment for diabetes was investigated. Materials and Methods: After starting diabetes treatment, GA and A1C levels are assumed to change exponentially. From this assumption, the equation for predicting near-future GA and A1C levels was derived.A total of 54 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in whom diabetes treatment was initiated or altered were enrolled. By incorporating GA and A1C values before and 2-4 weeks after starting treatment (second visit) into the equation, the predicted GA and A1C levels at the third visit (5-7 weeks after treatment) were obtained. Results: A strong and positive correlation was observed between predicted GA and measured GA at the third visit (R = 0.669, P < 0.0001). Similarly, a strong and positive correlation was observed between the predicted A1C and the measured A1C at the third visit (R = 0.795, P < 0.0001). Conclusions: GA and A1C levels 1-3 months after starting diabetes treatment could be predicted using the equation developed. The prediction of near-future A1C levels using GA levels at two points would be useful for judging the effectiveness of ongoing diabetes treatment at an earlier stage. © 2011 Asian Association for the Study of Diabetes and Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.