Initial attempt to establish population reference values for blood glucose and lipids in Makerere University undergraduate students.
The purpose of this study was to establish blood glucose and lipid profile of Makerere University undergraduate students.


METHODS
This was a cross-sectional study.


METHODS
A total of 183 students participated in the study. Capillary blood glucose was read instantly on a finger prick sample off Sensorex glucose analyzer. Venous blood from the antecubital vein was used for lipid assays. Total cholesterol was assayed by the oxidase-peroxidase enzyme system. Plasma triacylglycerols were analyzed using the glycerokinase-oxidase reagents. HDL and LDL cholesterol were analyzed using homogeneous enzymatic methods. Concentration results for each variable were plotted in histograms and the type of distribution established. Summary statistics were then calculated non- parametrically to set reference values.


RESULTS
Empirical ranges were: Cholesterol 2.1-7.2 mmol/L; triacylglycerols 0.4-6.87 mmol/L; HDLC 0.09-2.13 mmol/L; LDLC 0.95-5.38 mmol/L and capillary blood glucose 2.72-9.21 mmol/L. The reference ranges covering the central 95 percentile were: Cholesterol 2.65-5.15 mmol/L, triacylglycerols 0.61-4.03 mmol/L; HDLC 0.58-1.97 mmol/L; LDLC 1.25-3.57 mmol/L and capillary blood glucose 3.11-7.55 mmol/L.


CONCLUSIONS
The established reference values for the age group 20-26 years were: Total Cholesterol 2.65-5.15 mmol/L, LDL 1.25-3.57 mmol/L, HDL 0.58-1.97 mmol/L, TG 0.61-4.03 mmol/L and capillary blood glucose 3.11-7.55 mmol/L which differed from set international values.


CONCLUSIONS
We recommend the establishment of indices for the indigenous populations, conscientiously planned diets, and regular exercise.
Bimenya
G S
GS
Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
Byarugaba
W
W
Kalungi
S
S
Mayito
J
J
Mugabe
K
K
Makabayi
R
R
Ayebare
E
E
Wanzira
H
H
Muhame
M
M
D000328:Adult; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000032:analysis*; D008297:Male; D012016:Reference Values; D013334:Students; D014454:Uganda; D014495:Universities
D001786:Blood Glucose; D008055:Lipids