Levels of Glycosylated Haemoglobin in newly discovered Sudanese Diabetics

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus (D.M) is one of the most known chronic illnesses in the world. The exposure of blood to variable concentrations of glucose gives rise to variable levels of Haemoglobin (Hb) glycation, a non-enzymatic reaction. This phenomenon had led to the concept of measurement of glycosylated Hb as an indicator of glycemic control of diabetic patients; furthermore, it could be a diagnostic tool for the disease.
Objectives: The research aimed to measure the level of glycosylated Hb -designated HbA1c- in the newly discovered diabetics in Sudan.
Material and Methods: This was a retrospective case-control study, done at the Police Hospital and Bahri Diabetic Centre during the period from June 2011- October 2011. The populations of the sample were newly discovered Sudanese diabetics, in two age groups. Forty patients and forty controls were assessed via questionnaire, and venous blood to perform the test of HbA1c using Nycocard© machine.
Results: The mean of HbA1c in young diabetics was 10.0%, while that of old diabetics was 8.8%. There was no correlation between HbA1c and random blood glucose, body mass index, hypertension, or the duration of symptoms.
Conclusion: HbA1c levels in newly discovered diabetics was found to be elevated, with significant difference between diabetics of less than forty, and above forty years of age.

Key wards: Diabetes, HbA1c, Ketoacidosis, Hypertension.