Is there an HbA1c Threshold for Symptoms of Chronic Hyperglycemia?
Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes
; 130(6): 386-392, 2022 Jun.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-34100271
ABSTRACT
AIMS OF THE STUDY The minimum therapeutic goal regarding metabolic control for people with diabetes mellitus is the "absence of symptoms of hyperglycemia." However, it is uncertain whether a level of HbA1c can be defined that guarantees the absence of these symptoms. The aim was to define an HbA1c threshold above which most patients show hyperglycemic symptoms. METHODS:
In a multicenter cross-sectional study, 137 patients with type 1 and 285 with type 2 diabetes were asked about their symptoms during periods of hyperglycemia with a standardized questionnaire. Seventeen symptoms of hyperglycemia were summarized to the total hyperglycemia symptom score (THSS; min. 0; max. 68). The answers could be given according to the frequency and intensity in the last 4 - 6 weeks.RESULTS:
The HbA1c threshold above which most patients showed hyperglycemic symptoms was 10.05% for patients with diabetes type 1 and 8.9%. for patients with type 2. Most confidence was reached on the symptoms of frequent urination" and "tiredness." The mean THSS was 19.4 (±9.0) and showed a positive correlation with age (r=0.167; p<0.001) and HbA1c (r=0.254; p<0.001).CONCLUSIONS:
We identified an HbA1c threshold above which most patients show symptoms of hyperglycemia. In the treatment of people with diabetes mellitus, a safety margin to this threshold should be maintained to preserve well-being and avoid distress. However, since hyperglycemia symptoms are subject to many influencing factors, an adjustment of the therapy-both intensification and de-intensification-should always be carried out in combination with the requested hyperglycemia symptoms and HbA1c value.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1
/
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
/
Hyperglycemia
Type of study:
Clinical_trials
/
Diagnostic_studies
/
Observational_studies
/
Prevalence_studies
/
Prognostic_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
Limits:
Humans
Language:
En
Journal:
Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes
Journal subject:
ENDOCRINOLOGIA
Year:
2022
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Germany