Abstract

SIGNIFICANCE OF HBA1C IN THE DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF DIABETES MELLITUS

Mahrukh Talat*, Ammara Iftikhar and Saleha Sadeeqa

ABSTRACT

Background: Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) test is one of the most common test for determining glucose levels in the body. It is particularly important in managing pre diabetes and other types of Diabetes Mellitus. Study Aims: To determine the significance, effectiveness and accuracy of HbA1c test in diagnosing and managing diabetes by conducting survey from healthcare professionals. Methods and Materials: A cross sectional study was adopted using random sampling technique during the period of June-2017 to August-2017. A sample size of 100 healthcare professionals including endocrinologists, physicians and pharmacists was taken. The data was collected by two sources: a) by conducting direct interviews with health professionals in major hospitals of Lahore and b) from different health professionals across Pakistan as well as in some other countries using Google Forms Application. Data was analyzed using MS Excel. Results: The results found that 54% of health professionals consider glycosylated hemoglobin test most supportive for Type 2 Diabetes, 88% consider it always accurate in diagnosis of diabetes and 79% declare it to be more reliable than other diagnostic tests of diabetes. 72% reflects that this test helps physicians in prescribing appropriate drugs according to current physical status of diabetic patients. Conclusion: It was concluded that HbA1c test is considered to be significant in managing diabetes mellitus. It is more accurate and reliable as compared to other blood glucose tests. It is an indicator for long-term glycemic control with ability to present cumulative history of previous 2-3 months.

Keywords: Glycated hemoglobin, Management, Diabetes mellitus, Endocrinologist.