Published in:
01-12-2012 | Original article
Prediction of near-future HbA1c levels using glycated albumin levels before and after glimepiride administration for 2 weeks is useful to determine the effectiveness of the treatment
Published in: Diabetology International | Issue 4/2012
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Aims
We previously reported an equation predicting near-future HbA1c levels using glycated albumin (GA) levels before and after treatment for diabetes. In this study, we investigated whether the prediction of HbA1c levels is useful to decide on the necessity of additional treatment for diabetes.
Method
This study consisted of 11 patients with type 2 diabetes with HbA1c levels ≥8.4 % without any medical treatment. Glimepiride administration was started at a dose of 1 mg/day, and the HbA1c level at 14 weeks was predicted by GA levels before and 2 weeks after the administration. When the predicted HbA1c level at 14 weeks was <8.0 %, the treatment was continued. Otherwise, the dose of glimepiride was raised or metformin was added.
Results
In seven patients whose treatment was unchanged, the predicted HbA1c level at 14 weeks was 7.1 ± 0.5 %, which was similar to the measured HbA1c level at 14 weeks (7.1 ± 0.6 %). In four patients who were given additional treatment, the predicted HbA1c level at 14 weeks was 9.4 ± 1.0 %, significantly higher than the measured HbA1c at 14 weeks (7.5 ± 0.7 %).
Conclusion
The prediction of near-future HbA1c levels using GA facilitates an early decision on the necessity of additional treatment for diabetes.