Correlation Between Glycosylated Haemoglobin and Fasting Plasma Glucose in Africans - A Review

Ademolu Adegbenga Bolanle

Department of Medicine, Lagos state university teaching hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria

Ademolu Adegbenga Bolanle, Department of Medicine, Lagos state university teaching hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria.

Keywords: Glycosylated Haemoglobin; Fasting Blood Sugar; Africans

Abstract

Aim/Objectives
In recent times, the use of glycosylated haemoglobin in the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus was adopted by major stakeholder in biochemical definition and management of diabetes mellitus. This includes bodies like World Health Organisation (WHO), American Diabetic Association (ADA). The present consensus is that a glycosylated haemoglobin of 6.5% or more by definition is diabetes mellitus. Furthermore, HbA1c is generally acceptable as a chronic measure of control of diabetes mellitus worldwide.
Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) is an age long biochemical definition of diabetes mellitus with the value presently put at equal to or greater than 126mg/dl (7.0mol/l) prediabetes is FPG equal to or greater than 110mg/dl and less than 126mg/dl (?6.1 and < 7> While correlation in glycosylated haemoglobin and FPG have been done in white population, there is no study on this in Africans to the best of my knowledge. The aim of this review is to sensitise researchers towards a study on correlating these two biochemical parameters in Africans. Discussion
In a previous pilot study checking the FPG of 120 Africans in Lagos Nigeria, it was affirmed that the range of FPG among Africans is from normal to prediabetes to diabetes. No correlation was done then as HbA1c was not done but was suggested for further expansion of the pilot study.
Different organizations have targets for glycosylated haemglobin. It is generally unacceptable at HbA1c greater than 8%.
If this study is carried out, we will be able to appreciate the distribution of glycosylated haemoglobin among Africans whether they are at highly desirable target or not, and will be able to correlate the normal, prediabetic and diabetic African population using both parameters.
Conclusion
A correlation between glycosylated haemoglobin and fasting plasma glucose is needed in Africans.

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