A Case with Abnormally High HbA1c Level

Abstract

HbA1c is a marker that is used to monitor long-term glycemic control and risk of complications in diabetic patients. HbA1c measurement is based on the life span of red blood cells. Variants of hemoglobin may cause errors in HbA1c measurements because they may shorten the life span of red blood cells potentially causing low measurement levels. However, depending on the method of measurement, high measurement levels can be obtained. This condition can cause nondiabetic patients to be diagnosed as diabetic or can cause drug changes and hypoglycemic comas in diabetic patients. In order to prevent wrong diagnosis and treatment of such cases, laboratory techniques should include those which are unaffected by asymptomatic high or low levels of hemoglobin such as IFCC RM or fructosamine measurement.