Israa Elgaily, Abdelkarim A. Abdrabo,
Volume 18, Issue 5 (9-2024)
Background: Various analytes are used to assess glycemic control in laboratory medicine. Glucose measurements show current glucose levels, but sample stability can be influenced by diet and stress. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is the best marker for long-term control but can be affected by elevated urea levels. This study compared glycated albumin (GA) and HbA1c in diabetic patients undergoing hemodialysis.
Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample size of 280 volunteers. Among these, there were 115 diabetic patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), 95 diabetic patients without ESRD, and 75 non-diabetic patients with ESRD. Laboratory measurements included HbA1c, GA, urea, and creatinine, assessed using standard laboratory techniques. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS statistical software.
Results: Levels of HbA1c were lower in diabetic patients with ESRD compared to diabetic patients without ESRD. In contrast, GA levels were higher in diabetics with ESRD. A significant negative association was observed between HbA1c levels and urea levels. However, creatinine levels were not associated with either HbA1c or GA.
Conclusion: The estimation of glycated hemoglobin levels can be affected by high blood urea. Therefore, GA may be a better glycemic indicator for diabetic patients with ESRD.
