Problem of using hemoglobin A1C measurement in endemic area of hemoglobinopathy.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a frequent disorder affecting individuals of all ages. Glycohemoglobin (GHb) has a key role in the assessment of glycemic control in diabetic patients. Generally, GHb is measured as hemoglobin (Hb) A1C and is the result of an irreversible non-enzymatic glycation of the beta chain of hemoglobin A. HbA1C is used routinely to assess long term glycemic control in patients with DM. A variety of patient- and laboratory-related factors can adversely affect the measurement of HbA1C in patients harboring Hb variants or derivatives. In this article, problem of using hemoglobin A1C measurement in endemic area of hemoglobinopathy is addressed.