Serum Glycated Albumin and GA/HbA1c Ratio as a New Markers of Glycemic Control in Children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by hyperglycemia and accompanied by long term damage, dysfunction and failure of various organs. Several studies have shown that Glycated Albumin (GA) is more reliable DM monitor and a better marker of glycemic control in patients with fluctuating and poorly controlled type 2 DM. Moreover, serum GA is not affected by factors that affect hemoglobin metabolism. The aim of the study: To study the value of serum glycated albumin as a new marker for glycemic control in diabetic children. Methods: 30 diabetic children were included in the study in addition to 20, sex and age matched apparently healthy children as a control group. The associations among HbA1c, GA, and GA/HbA1c ratio were examined, referred and managed in Children’s Hospital, Minia University. The results: Plasma glucose, GA and HbA1c measurements were done at baseline, after the 1st and after the 3rd months for all the subjects. GA levels strongly correlated with HbA1c% in the diabetic group. The mean GA and HbA1c values were significantly lower in control group than in diabetic group (p<0.001). GA, HbA1c and the ratio decreased significantly within 4 weeks, but GA showed a significantly larger decrease than HbA1c. Conclusion: GA seems to be more accurately reflect short term glycemic control than HbA1c.