The utility of hemoglobin A1c at diagnosis for prediction of future glycemic control in children with type 1 diabetes

Abstract

Introduction: We evaluated the relationships of hemoglobin A1c (A1c) at diagnosis of type 1 diabetes (T1DM) to future glycemic control and to a series of clinical variables in children with T1DM.

Materials and methods: Patients <18 years old diagnosed with T1DM during a one year period who had an A1c at diagnosis and at least one follow-up visit at our center were eligible for inclusion. Baseline variables examined included age, race, gender, symptom duration, admission acuity, anthropometrics, bicarbonate, and A1c. Annual anthropometric and A1c data were also obtained from clinic visits through 4 years after diagnosis.

Results: We identified 120 children (53 males). Mean age at diagnosis was 7.6±3.9 years. Mean A1c at diagnosis was 10.9±1.9%. A1c at diagnosis correlated with age at diagnosis, symptom duration, and A1c at 3-years, with trends towards correlations at 6 weeks and 4 years. A1c at 1 year correlated highly with A1c at subsequent visits. No other baseline variables correlated with subsequent glycemic control.

Conclusions: In children with newly diagnosed diabetes, A1cs at diagnosis and one year post diagnosis are related to subsequent glycemic control. Children with high A1cs particularly at one year post diagnosis may benefit from targeted intensification of resources.