Glycaemia-independent ethnic differences in HbA_1c in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance

Authors: Likhari, T.; Gama, R.

Source: Diabetic Medicine, Volume 26, Number 10, October 2009 , pp. 1068-1069(2)

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

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Abstract:

Aim

To study the ethnic differences in HbA_1c between Whites and South Asians with impaired glucose tolerance. Methods

We audited 75g oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) performed in Clinical Chemistry, New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton over 1 year. HbA_1c and glycaemia were compared between Whites and South Asians with impaired glucose intolerance (IGT). Results

There were 46 South Asians (22 female) and 88 Whites (41 female). South Asian subjects were younger (59.2 ± 14.31 vs. 67.6 ± 12.63 yrs; P < 0.001) and weighed less (78.1 ± 17.2 vs. 87.47 ± 19.1 kgs; P < 0.001) than White subjects. HbA_1c levels were higher (6.5 ± 0.7 vs. 6.1 ± 0.6%; P < 0.001) in South Asians compared to Whites. Fasting glucose (5.71 ± 0.5 vs. 5.93 ± 0.7; P = 0.039) was lower in South Asians but 2hour glucose (10.5 ± 1.0 vs. 10.40 ± 0.9; P = 0.404) was similar in both ethnic groups. Conclusion

South Asians have higher HbA_1c levels than Whites despite lower fasting glucose value on OGTT, indicating ethnic differences in HbA_1c are due to glycaemia-independent factors

Keywords: caucasians; ethnic differences; HbA1c; impaired glucose tolerance; South Asians

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1464-5491.2009.02803.x

Affiliations: 1: Department of Healthcare Sciences, Research Institute, Wolverhampton University, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, UK

Publication date: 2009-10-01