Changes in HbA1c level over a 12-week follow-up in patients with type 2 diabetes following a medication change

PLoS One. 2014 Mar 25;9(3):e92458. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0092458. eCollection 2014.

Abstract

Background: Current guidance about the interval needed before retesting HbA1c when monitoring for glycaemic control is based on expert opinion rather than well-powered studies. The aim of our work was to explore how fast HbA1c changes after a change in glucose-lowering medication. This has implications for whether routine HbA1c testing intervals before 12 weeks could inform diabetes medication adjustments.

Methods: This 12-week cohort study recruited patients from 18 general practices in the United Kingdom with non-insulin treated diabetes who were initiating or changing dose of oral glucose-lowering medication. HbA1c was measured at baseline and 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks after recruitment. HbA1c levels at earlier time intervals were correlated with 12-week HbA1c. A ROC curve analysis was used to identify the 8-week threshold above which medication adjustment may be clinically appropriate.

Results: Ninety-three patients were recruited to the study. Seventy-nine patients with no change in medication and full 12-week follow-up had the following baseline characteristics: mean ± standard deviation age of 61.3 ± 10.8 years, 34% were female and diabetes duration of 6.0 ± 4.3 years. Mean HbA1c at baseline, 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks was 8.7 ± 1.5%, (72.0 ± 16.8 mmol/mol) 8.6 ± 1.6% (70.7 ± 17.0 mmol/mol), 8.4 ± 1.5% (68.7 ± 15.9 mmol/mol), 8.2 ± 1.4% (66.3 ± 15.8 mmol/mol) and 8.1 ± 1.4% (64.8 ± 15.7 mmol/mol) respectively. At the end of the study 61% of patients had sub-optimal glycaemic control (HbA1c>7.5% or 59 mmol/mol). The 8-week change correlated significantly with the 12-week change in HbA1c and an HbA1c above 8.2% (66 mmol/mol) at 8 weeks correctly classified all 28 patients who had not achieved glycaemic control by 12 weeks.

Conclusions/interpretation: This is the first study designed with sufficient power to examine short-term changes in HbA1c. The 12-week change in HbA1c can be predicted 8 weeks after a medication change. Many participants who had not achieved glycaemic control after 12 weeks may have benefitted from an earlier review of their HbA1c and medication.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Blood Glucose / analysis
  • Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / blood*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / drug therapy*
  • Fasting
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Glycated Hemoglobin / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prognosis
  • Prospective Studies
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Glycated Hemoglobin A
  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • hemoglobin A1c protein, human

Grants and funding

This research was funded by the UK’s National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) School for Primary Care Research (SPCR). This article/paper/report presents independent research funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR or the Department of Health. AF receives support from the NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre and is an NIHR Senior Investigator. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.