Fetal hemoglobin levels are related to metabolic control in diabetic subjects.
We have investigated the relationship between fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels and metabolic control in subjects with insulin-dependent (N = 79) and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (N = 242). HbF and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels were increased in subjects with type 1 and type 2 diabetes as compared to levels in nondiabetic individuals (P < 0.0001), and were significantly higher in type 1 than in type 2 diabetes subjects. Lower levels of HbA1c and HbF were observed in type 2 diabetes subjects treated by diet, intermediate levels in those treated with oral hypoglycemic agents, and higher levels in those treated with insulin. HbF and HbA1c levels were correlated in type 1 diabetes (R2 = 0.57, P < 0.0001) and type 2 diabetes (R2 = 0.58, P < 0.0001) subjects. Following intense treatment, twelve diabetic patients showed significant improvement both in HbA1c and HbF values. We conclude that increased HbF levels reflect poor metabolic control in subjects with diabetes mellitus.
Instituto de Patologia Clínica H. Pardini, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil. vpardini@labhpardini.com.br
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Pardini
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Victória
F B
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Pieroni
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Milagres
P D
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Nascimento
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Velho
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Purisch
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Pardini
D000328:Adult; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000378:metabolism*; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005319:Fetal Hemoglobin / Q000032:analysis*; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D005319:Fetal Hemoglobin; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin