Abstract
The objective of this descriptive study was to determine the relationship between
fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels, as well as a few other factors, with HbA1c in 100 patients with type 2 diabetes who were receving treatment at Ladlumkaew Hospital. The
data were collected during the period May-July 2007. The variables were sex, age, waist
circumference, body mass index, duration of illness, administration of metformin, and
fasting plasma glucose. The relationship between variables and HbA1c was assessed using
percentage, and odds ratio test.
The results of the study showed that patients who received treatment with metformin
had a mean level of FPG for three months equal to or less than 130 mg/dl related significantly
with an HbA1c level of less than 7 percent. When considering the results, 30 percent
of the patients had a mean level of FPG equal to or less than 130 mg/dl and 15
percent of the patients had FPG levels three times in three months that were equal to or
less than 130 mg/dl; these patients had HbA1c levels above 7 percent at 56.7 and 46.7
percent, respectively. Such findings denoted that the FPG level reflected the short period
of the preceding plasma glucose level; making an evaluation of hyperglycemic control by
FPG level would be misleading in the management of diabetes patients. The HbA1c level
was a better indicator for evaluating the achievement of glycemic control over the preceding
2-3 months. The HbA1c level could predict the complications of diabetes patients.
Therefore, for the goal of glycemic control, the HbA1c test shoud be employed in conjunction
with the FPG test.
