Haemoglobin Aic (glycohaemoglobin) in diabetic pregnancy: an indicator of glucose control and fetal size

Abstract

Haemoglobin AIc (Hb AIc), a glycohaemoglobin present in normal human blood, is elevated in glucose intolerant individuals. In non-pregnant diabetic subjects, a direct relationship has been established between per cent Hb AIc and blood and urinary glucose levels over weeks and months. In this study, Hb AIc level and mean random blood glucose concentration in the third trimester of pregnancy were found to correlate directly in 12 diabetic women without vascular disease (P less than 0.001). In this same group of women, third trimester Hb AIc levels also correlated significantly with infant birth weight (P less than 0.05) and birth weight adjusted for gestational are (P less than 0.01). Finally, third trimester mean blood glucose concentrations also correlated directly with birth weight (P less than 0.05) and adjusted birth weight (P less than 0.001). In pregnancies complicated by diabetes, rigid glucose control has been recommended to achieve optimal fetal and maternal outcomes. Hb AIc is a new tool with which to assess blood glucose control during diabetic pregnancy.