Calculated glycated hemoglobin - Myth or reality

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by rise in blood glucose level and derangement in protein and fat metabolism. The measurement of GHb is one of the well established means of monitoring glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to understand the significance of calculated HbA _1c by using fasting plasma glucose levels and comparing it with estimated HbA _1c. The study population consisted of 100 subjects. We found significance between the estimated and calculated HbA _1c levels in the study subjects (p<0.001). HbA _1c values calculated on the basis of current blood glucose and past HbA _1c levels are not actually identical to the HbA _1c values present in erythrocytes. However, a good approximation supplied by an appropriate mathematical model would have some advantages over true measurement. Objective of this study was to provide a tool for regular and frequent checking of HbA _1c with proper accuracy. As the formula can be used in well controlled diabetes patients only and is not a replacement for estimated HbA _1c.