Haemoglobin A1C levels in Black and Indian insulin-dependent diabetic patients of poor socio-economic status
Omar, M.A.; Asmal, A.C.
South African Medical Journal 61(6): 190-192
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0256-9574 PMID: 7058439 Document Number: 189161
HbA1C levels were measured in 71 Black and Indian insulin-dependent diabetic outpatients. The mean HbA1C level was 13.7 .+-. 1.8%, and levels showed a significant positive correlation with random plasma glucose values measured at the same time (r = 0.47; P < 0.001). Unsatisfactory socio-economic circumstances may be responsible for the poor quality of control in these patients. In view of the difficulties inherent in assessing the quality of control in such patients, who are often unreliable as regards home urine testing, HbA1C estimation provides a singularly useful guide to the degree of hyperglycemia.