The clinical value of HbAI-determinations.

Determination of glycosylated hemoglobin, HbAI, has become of great interest in diabetic patients as the values seem to reflect mean blood glucose values over longer periods of time. Several methods for determination of HbAI are now available. We have used a microchromatographic procedure which seems suitable for routine clinical work. In 94 healthy subjects HbAI was 6.5 +/- 0.8% (mean +/- S.D.). The corresponding value obtained in 126 diabetics was 9.6 +/- 1.8%. Particularly in patients treated with insullin HbAI-determinations are of value for assessment of the carbohydrate state, since in these patients the glucose values are prone to great variations. The exact relationship between the HbAI-values and the mean blood glucose level might vary between patients, however. Thus erythrocyte survival and renal function may influence the HbAI-values and more experience is needed in the interpretation of values. Nevertheless, preliminary data from a study in progress support the expectation that HbA1-determinations are likely to become a valuable adjunct in the routine management of diabetic patients.